Embora a utilização do corticóide oral não seja indicada no tratamento de manutenção na doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica, identificamos em nosso ambulatório, um grupo de pacientes que fazem uso desta medicação de forma continuada e, nos quais, todas as tentativas anteriores de retirada da medicação, havia resultado em exacerbação dos sintomas. O objetivo deste estudo foi o de analisar os fenômenos inflamatórios associados à tentativa de redução progressiva do corticóide oral nesses doentes. Avaliamos o escarro induzido de 14 pacientes usuários crônicos de corticóide. Após a avaliação basal, realizada enquanto os pacientes faziam uso de sua dose habitual da medicação (V0), procedemos ao aumento da prednisona a 40 mg por dia, por duas semanas (V1). A seguir, reduzimos progressivamente a dose até que ocorresse uma exacerbação (EXAC), quando a dose de 40 mg de prednisona foi re-introduzida por duas semanas (APÓS). Comparamos os resultados deste grupo aos de um grupo de pacientes portadores de DPOC não-usuários de corticóide oral. Esses pacientes foram avaliados na condição basal (V0), quando exacerbaram (EXAC) e após o tratamento com 40 mg de prednisona, por duas semanas (APÓS). As variáveis analisadas no escarro foram: % de neutrófilos, % de eosinófilos, % de macrófagos, número total de células, interleucinas 4, 6 e 8. Constatamos que o grupo corticóide apresentou um aumento significativo na porcentagem de eosinófilos na exacerbação em relação a V0, e uma redução significativa em APÓS, em relação a EXAC. Isto não ocorreu no grupo não-corticóide. Ao compararmos os dois grupos, observamos que a concentração das interleucinas 4, 6 e 8, foi significativamente mais alta no grupo corticóide em V0 e na exacerbação em relação ao grupo não-corticóide. Quando analisamos o comportamento das interleucinas nas avaliações seqüenciais, dentro de cada grupo, observamos que a interleucina 4 tendeu à elevação na exacerbação, no grupo corticóide, sem atingir, entretanto, significância estatística. As interleucinas 6 e 8 aumentaram significativamente no grupo corticóide na visita APÓS. Concluímos que a retirada progressiva de corticóide oral induz a exacerbação em pacientes com DPOC corticóide-dependentes com um processo inflamatório eosinofílico, que tende à reversão após o aumento da dose do corticóide / Although in chronic obstructive lung disease the use of oral corticoid is not indicated in the maintenance treatment, we identified a group of patients that make use of this medication continuously. The objective of this study was to analyze the inflammatory phenomena associated to the attempt of progressive reduction of oral corticoids in these patients. We evaluated induced sputum of 14 patients on long-term use of oral corticoids. After the basal evaluation, accomplished while the patients made use of their habitual dose of the medication (V0), we increased the dose of prednisone to 40 mg daily for two weeks (V1). To proceed we reduced the dose progressively until an exacerbation occurred (EXAC), when the dose of prednisone 40 mg daily was reintroduced for two weeks (AFTER). We compared the results to a group of patients with COPD not on use of oral corticoids, that were appraised in the basal condition (V0), when they exacerbated (EXAC) and after the treatment with prednisone 40 mg daily for two weeks (AFTER). The variables analyzed in the sputum were:, % of neutrophils, % of eosinophils, % of macrophages, total number of cells, interleukins 4, 6 and 8. We verified that the corticoid group presented a significant increase in the percentage of eosinophils at the exacerbation in relation to V0, and a significant reduction in AFTER in relation to EXAC. This didn\'t happen in the non corticoid group. When we compared the two groups we observed that the concentration of the interleukins was significantly higher in corticoid group in V0 and at the exacerbation in relation to the non corticoid group. When we analyzed the behavior of the interleukins along the evaluations in each group we observed that interleukin 4 tended to an elevation at the exacerbation in the corticoid group, without reaching statistical significance. Interleukins 6 and 8 increased significantly in the corticoid group in the visit AFTER. We concluded that the progressive reduction of oral corticoid induces exacerbation in patients with COPD on long-term use of prednisone with an eosinophilic inflammatory process that tends to reverse after the increase of the dose of the corticoid

Introdução: No presente estudo foram avaliados biomarcadores na ocorrência de febre em pacientes neutropênicos após transplante de células tronco hematopoiéticas (TCTH). Objetivo: O objetivo principal foi avaliar os valores séricos de biomarcadores: proteína C reativa (PCR), procalcitonina (PCT) e IL-6 (interleucina-6) que possam identificar precocemente infecção em TCTH. Outro objetivo foi fatores de risco para óbito nessa população. Métodos: Os biomarcadores foram avaliados em um estudo prospectivo que incluiu 296 pacientes neutropênicos, submetidos a TCTH autólogo ou alogênico. Os biomarcadores PCT, PCR e IL-6 foram dosados nos seguintes momentos:dia da neutropenia constatada sem febre, evento febril ou hipotermia (T < 35ºC), 24 h após a febre ou hipotermia, 72 horas após a febre ou hipotermia e febre prolongada ou seja 48 horas após a coleta no momento anterior ou na persistência da febre, cinco dias após a coleta no momento anterior. Os dados clínicos e laboratoriais, foram avaliados até a evolução para alta ou o óbito, em uma planilha Excel® 2003 e foram processados pelos programas SPSS e STATA. Os pacientes foram classificados nos seguintes grupos (I- afebril; II- febre de origem indeterminada FOI e III- febre clinica ou microbiologicamente comprovada) em relação a cada marcador estudado (PCT, PCR e IL-6). Foram feitos cálculos para estabelecer área sob a curva ROC, sensibilidade, especificidade, para avaliação da febre e óbito. Para avaliar o desfecho óbito foi realizada análise multivariada com regressão logística stepwise. Resultados: Dos 296 pacientes, 190 apresentaram febre. Duzentos e dezesseis (73%) foram submetidos a transplantes autólogos e 80 (27,0%) alogênicos. Dos 80 casos de TCTH alogênicos 74 (92,6%) eram aparentados e apenas 6 (7,4%) aparentados. Dos 80 casos alogênicos 69 (86,3%) eram fullmatch e 11(13,7%) mismatch. Em relação aos grupos já citados acima, temos a seguinte distribuição: grupo I: 106 pacientes (35,8%); grupo II: 112 pacientes (37,8%) e grupo III: 78 (26,4%). Os valores de média e mediana da IL-6 no momento afebril no grupo I em relação ao grupo II (p = 0,013), apresentando valor significativamente maiores. Os níveis da PCR no grupo I diferiram de forma significativa dos encontrados no grupo III (p < 0,05). Os grupos diferiram em relação aos níveis de IL-6 e de PCR no momento febril. O grupo II apresentou concentrações de IL-6 e de PCR significativamente menores que o grupo III. Os melhores valores de corte de PCT para os momentos de coleta: febre, 24 horas após a febre, 72 horas de febre, e febre prolongada foram respectivamente: 0,32; 0,47; 0,46 e 0,35?g/L. No momento da febre a sensibilidade foi 52,3 e a especificidade 52,6 para o diagnóstico de infecção. Os melhores valores de corte de PCR para os momentos de febre, 24 horas após, 72 horas após e febre prolongada foram, respectivamente: 79, 120, 108 e 72 mg/L. No momento da febre a sensibilidade foi 55,4 e especificidade foi 55,1. Os melhores valores de corte de IL-6 para os momentos de febre, 24 h após, 72 horas após a febre e febre prolongada foram respectivamente: 34, 32, 16 e 9 pg/mL. A sensibilidade e especificidade no momento da febre foram respectivamente: 59,8 e 59,7. Na análise dos três biomarcadores no grupo de pacientes autólogos, verifica-se que só a IL-6 apresenta valores significativos nos momentos iniciais (afebril, febre e 24 horas após a febre). Os seguintes fatores de risco independentes foram identificados na análise multivariada: doador aparentado, doador não aparentado, infecção por Gram-negativo, DHL >= 390 (UI/L), ureia >= 25 (mg/dL) e PCR >= 120 (mg/L). Conclusões: IL-6 e PCR têm associação com diagnóstico precoce de infecção clinica ou microbiologicamente confirmada em neutropenia febril após TCTH. A associação dos três marcadores não apresentou nenhuma vantagem, e não melhorou a acurácia diagnóstica. A IL-6 foi o único biomarcador significativamente associado de forma precoce com infecção quando avaliado apenas pacientes submetidos a TCTH autólogos As variáveis independentes associadas com óbito foram: transplante alogênico, infecção por Gram-negativos, DHL >= 390UI/L no momento da febre e ureia >= 25 mg/dL no momento da febre e PCR >= 120 (mg/L) / Introduction: In the present study, biomarkers were assessed in the occurrence of fever in neutropenic patients upon hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Objective: The main objective was to assess the serum values of biomarkers: C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT) and IL-6 (interleukin-6) which can early identify infection in HSCT. Another objective was risk factors for death in that population. Methods: The biomarkers were assessed in a prospective study which comprised 296 neutropenic patients submitted to autologous or allogeneic HSCT. The biomarkers PCT, CRP and IL-6 were dosed at the following moments: day of afebrile neutropenia, febrile event or hypothermia (T < 35ºC), 24 h upon fever or hypothermia, 72 hours upon fever or hypothermia and long-standing fever, that is, 48 hours upon the last sampling or at fever persistence, five days upon the last sampling. The clinical and laboratory data were assessed up to the evolution to discharge or death, in an Excel® 2003 spreadsheet and were processed by the SPSS and STATA software. Patients were classified in the following groups (I- afebrile; II- fever of unknown origin FUO and III- clinically or microbiologically proven fever) in regard to each biomarker studied (PCT, CRP and IL-6). Calculations were made to establish the area under the ROC curve, sensitivity, specificity, for the assessment of the evolution and death. In order to assess the death outcome, a multivariate analysis with stepwise logistic regression was conducted. Results: Out of the 296 patients, 190 had fever. Two hundred and sixteen (73%) were submitted to autologous transplantations and 80 (27.0%) to allogeneic ones. Out of the 80 cases of allogeneic HSCT, 74 (92.6%) were related and only 6 (7.4%) were unrelated. Out of the 80 allogeneic cases, 69 (86.3%) were fullmatch and 11(13.7%) were mismatch. In regard to the groups mentioned above, we have the following distribution: group I: 106 patients (35.8%); group II: 112 patients (37.8%) and group III: 78 patients (26.4%). The mean and median values of IL-6 at fever onset in group I in regard to group II (p = 0.013), presenting significantly higher values. The levels of CRP in group I differed significantly from those found in group III (p < 0.05). The groups differed in regard to the levels of IL-6 and CRP at fever onset. Group II presented IL-6 and CRP concentrations significantly lower than group III. The best cut-off values of PCT for sampling: fever onset, 24 hours upon fever, 72 hours of fever, and long-standing fever were, respectively: 0.32; 0.47; 0.46 and 0.35?g/L. At fever onset, sensitivity was 52.3 and specificity 52.6 for infection diagnosis. The best cut-off values of CRP for fever onset, 24 hours upon fever, 72 hours upon fever and long-standing fever were, respectively: 79, 120, 108 and 72 mg/L. At fever onset, sensitivity was 55.4 and specificity was 55.1. The best cut-off values of IL-6 for fever onset, 24 hours upon fever, 72 hours upon fever and long-standing fever were, respectively: 34, 32, 16 and 9 pg/mL. At fever onset, sensitivity and specificity were, respectively: 59.8 and 59.7. In the analysis of the three biomarkers in the group of autologous patients, it is observed that only IL-6 presents significant values at initial moments (afebrile, fever and 24 hours upon fever). The following independent risk factors were identified in the multivariate analysis: related donor, unrelated donor, Gram-negative infection, DHL >= 390 (UI/L), urea >= 25 (mg/dL) and CRP>=120 (mg/L). Conclusions: IL-6 and CRP are associated to the early diagnosis of clinically or microbiologically confirmed infection in post-HSCT febrile neutropenia. The association of the three biomarkers did not present any advantage, nor did it improve diagnostic accuracy. IL-6 was the only biomarker significantly associated at an early stage with infection when assessed only in patients submitted to autologous HSCT. The independent variables associated with death were: allogeneic transplantation, Gram-negative infection, DHL >= 390UI/L at fever onset and urea >= 25 mg/dL at fever onset and PCR >= 120 (mg/L)

Objetivos: Avaliar a utilidade dos mediadores pró-inflamatórios (TNF-alfa, IL-1 beta e IL-6), dos mediadores antiinflamatórios (IL-10 e IL-1Ra) e da Proteína C reativa (PCR) para o diagnóstico na sepse neonatal; verificar se os valores séricos isolados ou a relação entre IL-6 e IL-1Ra têm valor preditivo de gravidade, na evolução clínica da doença; determinar se a homeostase entre os mediadores pró-inflamatórios e antiinflamatórios e a PCR definem o prognóstico da doença. Casuística e métodos: Foram incluídos no estudo 31 recém-nascidos (RN) internados na UCINE ou no Hospital Universitário com diagnóstico de sepse, baseado em critérios clínicos e laboratoriais. Os RN com diagnóstico de sepse foram subdivididos em dois grupos de acordo com a evolução clínica: grupo sepse: os que tiveram boa evolução e grupo sepse grave, os que tiveram evolução complicada por choque séptico e/ou CIVD e/ou FMOS e/ou óbito. Além dos exames de rotina para sepse, forma mensurados nos dias 0, 3 e 7 de evolução a partir do diagnóstico, os níveis séricos de TNF-alfa, IL-1 beta, IL-6, IL-10 e IL-1Ra. Resultados: Na análise evolutiva geral, todos os mediadores inflamatórios apresentaram mensuração elevada no dia do diagnóstico (dia 0), com decréscimo dos valores no decorrer do tempo. Entre os mediadores pró-inflamatórios, a TNF-alfa, a IL-6 e a IL-1 beta se mostraram adequados para o diagnóstico, no entanto para o seguimento, a melhor foi a IL-6. Entre os mediadores antiinflamatórios a IL-10 seguiu os padrões dos mediadores próinflamatórios acompanhando a resolução do processo séptico, enquanto a IL-1Ra apresentou decréscimos até o 3º dia e permaneceu estável até o 7º dia caracterizando a perpetuação da ação antiinflamatória desta citocina. Quanto às relações entre mediadores pró-inflamatórios e antiinflamatórios (relação IL-6/IL-1Ra e IL-6/(IL-6 + IL-1Ra) observamos que a IL-6/IL-1Ra apresentou relação com a evolução do processo séptico, mostrando inicialmente predomínio da ação próinflamatória no dia 0 e antiinflamatória no dia 7. A PCR acompanhou de forma muito semelhante as curvas da TNF-alfa, L-6 e IL-10. Quando se subdividiu a casuística em grupos, sepse e sepse grave, observamos que os RN com sepse com boa evolução apresentaram níveis séricos médios de TNF-alfa, IL-1 beta e IL-10 próximos aos níveis mínimos detectáveis e estas citocinas nos RN com sepse grave. / Objectives - To evaluate the utility of the pro-inflammatory mediators (TNF-alfa, IL1-beta, and IL-6), the anti-inflammatory mediators (IL-10 and IL-1Ra) and C-Reactive Protein (CRP) for the diagnosis of neonatal sepsis; to verify whether the isolated seric values or the relation between IL-6 and IL-1Ra have predictive values for severity regarding the clinical outcome, and to ascertain if the homeostasis between the pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory mediators and CPR can define the prognosis of the disease. Patients and Methods - The study included 31 newborns (NB) admitted to the UCINE (External Neonatal Unit) or to Hospital Universitário (São Paulo University Hospital) with diagnosis of sepsis based upon clinical and laboratorial parameters. The NB with diagnosis of sepsis were further subdivided into 2 groups according to the clinical outcome: sepsis group: containing those NB who evolved to a positive outcome, and severe sepsis group, in turn composed of the NB with unsatisfactory outcomes due to complications caused by septic shock and/or DIVC and/or FMOS and/or death. On days 0, 3, and 7 following diagnosis the seric levels of TNF-alfa, IL-1 beta, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-1Ra were measured in addition to the routine sepsis workup. Results - The general follow-up analysis revealed that all the inflammatory mediators presented elevated levels at diagnosis (day 0) with a decrease of these values over time. Regarding the pro-inflammatory mediators, TNF-alfa, IL-6 and IL-1 beta were satisfactory for diagnosis, whereas IL-6 was more accurate for follow-up. In relation to the anti-inflammatory mediators, IL-10 revealed the same pattern of the pro-inflammatory mediators following the septic process resolution, whereas IL-1Ra gradually decreased until the 3rd day but hence remained stable until the 7th day, thus characterizing the continuity of the anti-inflammatory action of this cytokine. Concerning the inter-relation between the pro and anti-inflammatory mediators (IL-6/IL-1Ra relation and IL-6/(IL6+IL-1Ra)) we observed that the IL-6/IL-1Ra correlated with the septic process evolution with predominance of the proinflammatory action on day 0 and of the anti-inflammatory action on day 7. The CRP levels, we observed that in the sepsis group with satisfactory outcome on day 0 the seric values were higher than in the severe sepsis group, although on days 3 and 7 these values decreased more substantially, while in the sepsis group they increased on day 3 followed by a gradual decrease until day 7. Conclusions - The analyzed mediators were effective in the diagnosis of neonatal sepsis and also predictive of the degree of severity, mainly with regards to cytokines IL-6 and IL-1Ra. The homeostatic equilibrium/disequilibrium was correlated to the type of disease outcome: sepsis with no complications versus severe sepsis.

Objectives: To assess the expression of the symptoms of jaw muscle pain and its association with alterations in biochemistry, other symptoms and the carriage of staphylococci. Methods: Three different study populations were assessed. The first was selected and examined by the author and consisted of 43 pain and 41 age and sex matched controls. The second was a study of CFS patients who were blinded to the author and the author subsequently examined the associations between jaw muscle symptom reporting and the standardised biochemistry measures. The third study was also blinded to the author but included an investigation of staphylococci and certain cytokine and biochemistry measures. Results: The three studies clearly establish an association between the carriage of toxicogenic coagulase negative staphylococci and the expression of jaw muscle pain in both males and females. These associations were homogeneous and were found whether the patients were selected on the basis of having jaw muscle pain or selected from within a population of patients selected on the basis of having Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. The studies associated the changes with variations in biochemistry and these were in turn associated with symptom expression within the jaw muscle pain patients. These biochemical alterations included the dysregulation of immune cell counts, cytokines, electrolyte and protein metabolism. These symptoms and biochemical changes were associated with pain severity and illness duration and staphylococcal toxin production. From the data a model was developed which shows the mechanisms involved in the development of chronic pain in the jaw muscles. Conclusions: The carriage of toxicogenic coagulase-negative staphylococci were found to be associated with the expression of jaw muscle pain and the alterations in biochemistry associated with these symptoms.

Objectives: To assess the expression of the symptoms of jaw muscle pain and its association with alterations in biochemistry, other symptoms and the carriage of staphylococci. Methods: Three different study populations were assessed. The first was selected and examined by the author and consisted of 43 pain and 41 age and sex matched controls. The second was a study of CFS patients who were blinded to the author and the author subsequently examined the associations between jaw muscle symptom reporting and the standardised biochemistry measures. The third study was also blinded to the author but included an investigation of staphylococci and certain cytokine and biochemistry measures. Results: The three studies clearly establish an association between the carriage of toxicogenic coagulase negative staphylococci and the expression of jaw muscle pain in both males and females. These associations were homogeneous and were found whether the patients were selected on the basis of having jaw muscle pain or selected from within a population of patients selected on the basis of having Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. The studies associated the changes with variations in biochemistry and these were in turn associated with symptom expression within the jaw muscle pain patients. These biochemical alterations included the dysregulation of immune cell counts, cytokines, electrolyte and protein metabolism. These symptoms and biochemical changes were associated with pain severity and illness duration and staphylococcal toxin production. From the data a model was developed which shows the mechanisms involved in the development of chronic pain in the jaw muscles. Conclusions: The carriage of toxicogenic coagulase-negative staphylococci were found to be associated with the expression of jaw muscle pain and the alterations in biochemistry associated with these symptoms.

INTRODUÇÃO: Transplantes parciais de fígado em crianças têm sido realizados com maior freqüência, enfatizando a importância do estudo da regeneração hepática, bem como dos efeitos de drogas imunossupressoras sobre a mesma. A regeneração do parênquima é o resultado do balanço entre multiplicação celular e apoptose, esta última definida como morte celular programada. Neste processo, estão envolvidas expressões de genes pró-apoptóticos (Bak e Bax) e anti-apoptóticos (Bcl-XL e Bcl-2). Dentre as proteínas relacionadas à proliferação hepatocitária, destaca-se a interleucina-6 (IL-6). Embora o modelo de ressecção de 70% da massa hepática de ratos adultos seja amplamente utilizado para estudos de regeneração, não há trabalhos com animais em crescimento. MÉTODOS: Na presente pesquisa, foi padronizado o modelo de hepatectomia parcial em ratos recém-nascidos e em recém-desmamados: realizou-se ligadura com fio de algodão do pedículo dos lobos esquerdo lateral, esquerdo medial e direito medial, seguida da ressecção do parênquima desses lobos. Os fígados remanescentes foram imediatamente pesados e comparados com os pesos dos fígados de animais controles. Para caracterização dos modelos de regeneração, 40 ratos recém-nascidos e 30 recém-desmamados foram submetidos à hepatectomia descrita e mortos nos dias subseqüentes (1, 2, 3, 4 e 7), e o fígado residual submetido a análises de peso e histologia convencional. A seguir, 36 animais (18 recém-nascidos e 18 recém-desmamados) foram divididos nos seguintes grupos: controle, cirurgia simulada e hepatectomia. Um dia após, utilizando métodos moleculares (técnica do RT-PCR), estudou-se a expressão do gene da IL-6, dos genes pró-apoptóticos e anti-apoptóticos nos fígados desses animais e, por meio de métodos imunoistoquímicos, analisou-se a presença de antígenos relacionados à proliferação celular (PCNA) e apoptose (TUNEL) em lâminas preparadas pela técnica do \"tissue microarray\". Em outros 36 ratos (18 recém-nascidos e 18 recém-desmamados), foram administradas drogas imunossupressoras (metilprednisolona, ciclosporina A ou tacrolimus, separadamente) no ato da hepatectomia, e o parênquima hepático remanescente submetido às mesmas análises moleculares e imunoistoquímicas, um dia após. RESULTADOS: A ressecção do parênquima hepático correspondeu a 70% da massa total do fígado. A mortalidade relacionada à hepatectomia nos animais recém-nascidos e recém-desmamados foi 30% e 0% respectivamente. Na análise histológica observou-se maior quantidade de mitoses em hepatócitos no terceiro dia nos recém-nascidos e no segundo dia nos recém-desmamados, com normalização da arquitetura do parênquima até o 7º dia e recuperação total do peso de ambos. No animal recém-nascido, notou-se intensa esteatose associada ao processo regenerativo. A hepatectomia provocou aumento na expressão do gene da IL-6 no fígado residual e diminuição da expressão dos genes pró-apoptóticos em ambos os modelos, além de aumento do anti-apoptótico Bcl-2 nos animais recém-desmamados. O estudo realizado sobre o efeito das drogas imunossupressoras mostrou resultados diferentes daqueles descritos em animais adultos, não havendo alteração no número de células em proliferação (PCNA positivas) ou apoptose (TUNEL positivas). As drogas não tiveram efeito sobre a expressão do gene da IL-6. Metilprednisolona e tacrolimus ocasionaram aumento da expressão do gene anti-apoptótico Bcl-2 em ambos os modelos; metilprednisolona e ciclosporina provocaram aumento na expressão do gene pró-apoptótico Bak nos ratos recém-nascidos. CONCLUSÕES: os modelos de regeneração hepática em ratos recém-nascidos e recém-desmamados foram exeqüíveis e adequados para a pesquisa; a hepatectomia promoveu estímulo da proliferação de hepatócitos com inibição da apoptose; as drogas imunossupressoras utilizadas não exerceram efeito sobre a proliferação de hepatócitos porém provocaram aumento da expressão de genes relacionados a apoptose. / INTRODUCTION: Partial liver transplantation has been performed in children with increasing frequency, and this emphasizes the importance of the studies of hepatic regeneration and the effects of immunosuppressive drugs on this phenomenon. Liver regeneration is controlled by the balance between cell proliferation and apoptosis (defined as a programmed cell death that results from the expression of pro-apoptotic genes - Bax and Bak - and anti-apoptotic genes - Bcl-2 and Bcl-XL). Among proteins related to hepatocyte proliferation, interleukin-6 is an important one. Although the adult rat model of 70% hepatectomy has been widely utilized for studies of liver regeneration, there are no studies using growing animals. METHODS: In the current paper, two experimental models were created utilizing newborn and weaning rats: using a cotton thread, the vascular hilum and the hepatic vein were ligated and the left lateral, left medial and right medial lobes were resected. The remaining liver was immediately harvested and weighted to be compared to control livers. The animals were sacrificed on days 1, 2, 3, 4, and 7 after the operation, the remnant livers were weighted and harvested for histological examinations. Then, 36 animals (18 newborn and 18 weaning animals) were divided into the following groups: control, sham and hepatectomy. One day after, the expressions of IL-6 gene, pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic genes were studied in the remnant livers. Immunohistochemical stainings for cell antigens related to cell proliferation (PCNA) and apoptosis (TUNEL) were also performed utilizing tissue microarray sections. In another group of 36 animals (18 newborn and 18 weaning animals), immunosuppressive drugs were administered just after the hepatectomy (methylprednisolone, cyclosporine A or tacrolimus separately), and the remnant liver submitted to the same molecular and immunohistochemical studies. RESULTS: The resected liver corresponded to 70% of the total liver weight. The mortality rates after hepatectomy were 30% and 0% for newborn and weaning rats, respectively. The histological examinations showed a great number of mitoses of hepatocytes on the third day in newborns and on the second day in weaning rats, and normalization of histological aspects by 7 days after hepatectomy and weight recuperation. In the newborn group liver regeneration was related to an intense steatosis. Hepatectomy promoted an increase in the expression of IL-6 gene of the remnant liver, a decreased expression of pro-apoptotic genes in both models, and an increased expression of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 gene in weaning rats. The study of the effects of immunosuppressants showed different results from those described in adult animals, with no alterations in the number of cells in proliferation (PCNA positive) and apoptosis (TUNEL positive). Drugs had no effect in expression of IL-6 gene. Methylprednisolone and tacrolimus promoted an increased expression of anti-apoptotic gene Bcl-2. In addition, methylprednisolone and cyclosporine promoted an increase in the expression of the pro-apoptotic gene Bak in newborn rats. CONCLUSIONS: The experimental models were feasible and adequate for the current investigations; hepatectomy stimulated hepatocyte proliferation and inhibited hepatic cells apoptosis; the utilized immunosuppressant drugs did not affect hepatocyte proliferation although an increased expression of apoptosis-related genes was verified.

Alterações metabólicas, inflamatórias e do sistema nervoso autônomo estão presentes em pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca. No entanto, não há até o momento, consenso de que tais alterações são decorrentes da disfunção ventricular ou da síndrome de insuficiência cardíaca. Objetivo: Avaliacão do metabolismo e atividade inflamatória em pacientes com miocardiopatia dilatada chagásica e idiopática e sua correlação com medidas de funcão do sistema nervoso autônomo. Casuística: Foram avaliados 46 pacientes divididos em três grupos: pacientes com miocardiopatia dilatada idiopática, chagásica e controle, pareados entre si de acordo com sexo e idade e índice de massa corpórea. Critérios de inclusão: miocardiopatia chagásica com sorologia positiva em dois métodos diferentes (imunofluorescência indireta e ELISA) e miocardiopatia dilatada idiopática com idade superior a 18 anos; ambos os sexos; Índice de massa corporal (IMC) entre 18,5 e 25 kg/m2 e fração de ejeção < 40% pelo método de Simpson ao ecocardiograma. Metodologia: Todos pacientes foram submetidos a medidas antropométricas: índice de massa corporal e medida da porcentagem de gordura corporal através de bioimpedância. Coletado sangue para dosagens sanguíneas de leptina, adiponectina, interleucina-6, fator de necrose tumoral, glicose, insulina, colesterol total, HDL-Colesterol, LDL-Colesterol e triglicerídeos após jejum de 12 horas e realizados: Holter de 24 horas para avaliação da função autonômica, ecocardiograma transtorácico bidimensional complementado com modo-M, Doppler pulsátil, tecidual e colorido. Resultados: Não houve diferenças entre os grupos com relação a dosagem de glicemia, colesterol total, LDL-colesterol, HDL-colesterol e triglicerídeos. Com relação à leptina e adiponectina e o índice HOMA-IR, não houve diferença entre os grupos. As dosagens de insulina foram menores no grupo chagásico em comparação ao grupo controle e de idiopático (5,4; 8,0; 9,9) respectivamente (p = 0,007). As dosagens de interleucina-6 e fator de necrose tumoral-alfa foram maiores no grupo chagásico em relação aos outros grupos. A insulina correlacionou positivamente no grupo chagásico com leptina (r = 0,579; p = 0,024) e sistema nervoso autônomo ( atividade simpática) BF/AF ( r = 0,562; p = 0,029) e BF (r = 0,562; p = 0,029) e negativamente com adiponectina (r = -0,603; p = 0,017). Na análise multivariada, apenas a adiponectina foi significante. A adição de uma unidade de adiponectina reduziu a média de insulina em 0,332. Conclusões: Os níveis de insulina foram menores nos pacientes com miocardiopatia chagásica em comparação aos pacientes com miocardiopatia dilatada idiopática e controle. Os níveis das citocinas inflamatórias (TNF-alfa e interleucina-6) foram maiores nos pacientes com miocardiopatia chagásica em comparação aos pacientes com miocardiopatia dilatada idiopática e controle. A insulina correlacionou negativamente no grupo chagásico com adiponectina / Metabolic, inflammatory and autonomic nervous system changes are present in patients with heart failure. However, there is so far, consensus that these changes are due to ventricular dysfunction or heart failure syndrome. Objective: Evaluation of metabolism and inflammatory activity in patients with Chagas\' disease and idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy and its correlation with user function measures the autonomic nervous system. Patients: A total of 46 patients divided into three groups: patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy, Chagas and control, matched each other according to sex and age and body mass index. Inclusion criteria: serology for Chagas\' disease in two different methods (indirect immunofluorescence and ELISA); idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy; older than 18 years; both sexes; Body mass index (BMI), ie between 18.5 and 25 kg / m2 and ejection fraction < 40% by Simpson method by echocardiography. Methods: All patients underwent anthropometric measurements: body mass index and measure the percentage of body fat by bioimpedance. Blood was collected for blood leptin dosages, adiponectin, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor, glucose, insulin, total cholesterol, HDLcholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglyceride levels after fasting for 12 hours and performed: 24 hours for evaluation Holter autonomic function, two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography complemented by M-mode, pulsed Doppler, tissue and colorful. Results: There were no differences between groups with respect to blood glucose levels, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDLcholesterol and triglycerides. With respect to leptin and adiponectin and HOMAIR, there was no difference between groups. Insulin doses were lower in the chagasic group compared to the control group and Idiopathic: 5.4; 8.0; 9.9, respectively (p = 0.007). Dosages of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factoralpha were higher in the chagasic group compared to other groups. Insulin positively correlated in the chagasic group with leptin (r = 0.579; p = 0.024) and autonomic nervous system (sympathetic activity) LF / HF (r = 0.562; p = 0.029) and BF (r = 0.562; p = 0.029) and negatively with adiponectin (r = -0.603; p = 0.017). In multivariate analysis, only adiponectin was significant. The addition of an adiponectin unit reduced the average insulin 0.332. Conclusions: Insulin levels were lower in patients with Chagas\' heart disease compared to patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy and control. The levels of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha and interleukin-6) were higher in patients with Chagas\' heart disease compared to patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy and control. Insulin negatively correlated with adiponectin in the chagasic group

Cardiovascular diseases are a broad group of diseases, such as heart attack and heart failureaffecting the cardiovascular system. The primary cause of cardiovascular diseases isatherosclerosis, and its progression is brought about by oxidative stress and a complex chronicinflammation reaction cascade. Of central importance are proinflammatory cytokines, regulatedby multiple factors, including interleukin (IL) 17A. This project aims to investigate the effectof IL-17A on the inflammatory response of human vascular endothelial cells by quantifyingchemokine C-X-C motif ligand-1 (CXCL1) release when exposed or not to otherproinflammatory mediators such as TNF-𝛼, IL-6 and IL-1β. To investigate this, humanumbilical cord endothelial cells were cultured and then stimulated with IL-17A alone or incombination with other cytokines, namely IL-6/sIL6R, IL-1β, or TNF-𝛼. After an appropriateincubation time following the stimulations, the supernatants of the cells were collected, and theamount of CXCL1 was analysed with ELISA or qPCR, respectively. At a lower concentration(10ng/ml), IL-17A failed to induce a significant level of CXCL1 release from endothelial cells.However, IL-17A + TNF-𝛼 (5ng/ml) greatly enhanced, higher than inductions from individualtreatments combined, level of CXCL1 release from endothelial cells. Furthermore, combiningIL-17A with IL-1β or IL-6 induced non-abundant and abundant upregulation in CXCL1 release,respectively. On transcription level, the amount of CXCL1 mRNA induced by IL-17A alonewas non-significant, but stimulation with TNF-𝛼 and IL-17A + TNF-𝛼 induced significantlyupregulated expression of CXCL1. In conclusion, we found that IL-17A induced synergeticrelease of CXCL1 in human vascular endothelial cells with TNF-𝛼. In addition, the synergisticimpact of IL-17A and TNF-𝛼 in terms of CXCL1 induction in vascular endothelial cells wasevident on a transcriptional level. Our data imply that combined blockage of IL-17A and TNF-𝛼 could have an enhanced therapeutic effect on vascular inflammation.

Background: Pembrolizumab and cetuximab are antibodies under investigation in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) either as single agents or combined with cisplatin and other chemotherapeutic drugs, e.g., 5-fluorouracil and/or docetaxel. However, also the combination of both antibodies may have potential in recurrent/ metastatic (R/M) HNSCC, in particular in cisplatin-resistant or -refractory cases or patients with comorbid disease, e.g. patients with impaired renal function. Methods: To clarify potential benefit that may result from such combination, we used the FLAVINO assay, a short-time ex vivo assay to compare responsiveness of HNSCC to pembrolizumab, cetuximab and both combined regarding colony formation of epithelial cells of biopsy-derived tumor samples and their cytokine production within three days either without or with stimulation with 10 ng/mL interferon gamma (IFN-g). Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF), monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1 or CCL2), interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-8, IFN-g, and interferon gamma-induced protein 10 (IP-10 or CXCL10) in supernatants were measured by ELISA. Results: We detected huge heterogeneity in response to cetuximab, pembrolizumab and both combined with and without IFN-g stimulation. Moreover, we detected a link between IFN-g induced IP-10 release and improved outcome in those HNSCC patients who were capable to respond to IFN-g and pembrolizumab, cetuximab and both combined with a further increase in IP-10 production. We derived an “IP-10 score” that independent from clinical characteristics of HNSCC patients and therapy regimens applied was able to predict their outcome. Conclusions: The heterogeneity in the ex vivo response of cetuximab, pembrolizumab and both combined with and without IFN-g stimulation identifies subgroups of HNSCC patients with deviating OS.

Recent evidence from cancer research indicates that lactate exerts a suppressive effect on innate immune responses in cancer. This study investigated the mechanisms by which lactate suppresses macrophage pro-inflammatory responses. Macrophages [Raw 264.7 and bone marrow derived macrophages (BMDMs)] were treated with LPS in the presence or absence of lactate. Pro-inflammatory cytokines, NF-κB and YAP activation and nuclear translocation were examined. Our results show that lactate significantly attenuates LPS stimulated macrophage TNF-α and IL-6 production. Lactate also suppresses LPS stimulated macrophage NF-κB and YAP activation and nuclear translocation in macrophages. Interestingly, YAP activation and nuclear translocation are required for LPS stimulated macrophage NF-κB activation and TNFα production. Importantly, lactate suppressed YAP activation and nuclear translocation is mediated by GPR81 dependent AMKP and LATS activation which phosphorylates YAP, resulting in YAP inactivation. Finally, we demonstrated that LPS stimulation induces an interaction between YAP and NF-κB subunit p65, while lactate decreases the interaction of YAP and NF-κB, thus suppressing LPS induced pro-inflammatory cytokine production. Our study demonstrates that lactate exerts a previously unknown role in the suppression of macrophage pro-inflammatory cytokine production via GPR81 mediated YAP inactivation, resulting in disruption of YAP and NF-κB interaction and nuclear translocation in macrophages.