Submitted by Carvalho Cristiane (crisedangelo@yahoo.com.br) on 2012-05-28T14:02:31Z No. of bitstreams: 1 MACHADO Luciana - Jovens de Fibra.pdf: 451490 bytes, checksum: 2dedb779d4a78f985686f98d13a38384 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2012-05-28T14:02:31Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 MACHADO Luciana - Jovens de Fibra.pdf: 451490 bytes, checksum: 2dedb779d4a78f985686f98d13a38384 (MD5) / Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Instituto Fernandes Figueira. Departamento de Ensino. Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde da Criança e da Mulher. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil / A adequação das necessidades dos jovens que sofrem com adoecimento crônico às demandas do tratamento prolongado foi sempre um desafio para a equipe de saúde, o paciente e sua família. Nesse cenário, a fisioterapia compõe a complexa rede de cuidados na rotina dos adolescentes com Fibrose Cística (FC). O objetivo desse estudo consistiu na análise da vivência do adoecimento crônico dos adolescentes com Fibrose Cística, em relação ao tratamento de fisioterapia. Para tanto, a metodologia utilizada foi baseada na análise temática obtida por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas com os adolescentes de FC. Os sujeitos tinham entre 10 a 18 anos e eram acompanhados pelo setor de Pneumologia do Instituto Fernandes Figueira. Os resultados apontaram, a partir dos relatos, que a fisioterapia limita a realização de outras atividades de interesse dos jovens, em virtude da disciplina e regularidade do tratamento. A realização dos exercícios era geralmente desagradável e foi identificada como um momento de enfrentamento da doença. Muitos sujeitos desconheciam a função das técnicas aplicadas durante o atendimento fisioterapêutico e, por vezes, não viam sentido no que foi proposto. Na ótica dos adolescentes entrevistados, a fisioterapia apareceu como uma intervenção pontual no cotidiano e não relacionavam seus benefícios à qualidade de vida. A conduta restrita à técnica e, em muitos casos, a promoção da participação passiva do jovem, dificultavam sua aproximação com o tratamento fisioterapêutico. Discussão: Os diferentes aspectos presentes na vida dos adolescentes com FC influenciam não só o adoecimento crônico, mas também seu tratamento. Considerando a interação entre profissional de saúde - paciente, o fisioterapeuta deve estar atento para o seu papel no processo de tratamento destes sujeitos. Sua atuação deve transcender às questões da doença, priorizando também o bem estar e a vida social dos adolescentes com FC. Sendo assim, o olhar ampliado do fisioterapeuta e a humanização no cuidado com esse público são tão fundamentais quanto a técnica escolhida, consistindo, muitas vezes, em um valioso auxílio para o enfrentamento da doença. / The adequacy of young people needs that suffers with chronic illness to the demands of prolonged treatment has always been a challenge for the health care team, patients and their family. In this context, physiotherapy forms the complex network of health care in the routine of adolescents with Cystic Fibrosis (CF). The aim of this study was the analysis about living with chronic illness through the perspectives of adolescents with Cystic Fibrosis, in relation to physiotherapy treatment. Hence, the methodology applied was based on the thematic analysis obtained through semi-structured interviews with adolescents with CF. Subjects were between 10 and 18 years old and were undergoing treatment at Pulmonology clinic in the Instituto Fernandes Figueira. The results from data collected signify that physiotherapy limits young people to enroll in others activities of their interest, on account of discipline and regularity of the treatment. The exercises regime was normally unpleasant and was shown as a moment of facing their disease. Many subjects did not know about the function of techniques that were applied during physiotherapy assistance, and sometimes, could not make any sense of what was proposed. In the interviewed adolescent’s opinion, physiotherapy was revealed as a punctual intervention in their daily life and its benefits were not related to quality of life. A narrow view of care, and in many cases, an incentive for the young to participate in a submission way, hindered their approach to physiotherapy. Discussion: The different aspects present in the lives of adolescents with CF not only influence chronic illness, but also its treatment. Considering the interaction between health care professional and patient, the physiotherapist must be aware of their role in the organizational of work of these subjects. The actions of this professional should go beyond the issues of disease, also prioritizing the well-being and social life of adolescents with CF. Thus, the physiotherapist’s broader view and humanization care of young people with CF is as important as the chosen technique, consisting often in a valuable aid for facing the disease. / The adequacy of young people needs that suffers with chronic illness to the demands of prolonged treatment has always been a challenge for the health care team, patients and their family. In this context, physiotherapy forms the complex network of health care in the routine of adolescents with Cystic Fibrosis (CF). The aim of this study was the analysis about living with chronic illness through the perspectives of adolescents with Cystic Fibrosis, in relation to physiotherapy treatment. Hence, the methodology applied was based on the thematic analysis obtained through semi-structured interviews with adolescents with CF. Subjects were between 10 and 18 years old and were undergoing treatment at Pulmonology clinic in the Instituto Fernandes Figueira. The results from data collected signify that physiotherapy limits young people to enroll in others activities of their interest, on account of discipline and regularity of the treatment. The exercises regime was normally unpleasant and was shown as a moment of facing their disease. Many subjects did not know about the function of techniques that were applied during physiotherapy assistance, and sometimes, could not make any sense of what was proposed. In the interviewed adolescent’s opinion, physiotherapy was revealed as a punctual intervention in their daily life and its benefits were not related to quality of life. A narrow view of care, and in many cases, an incentive for the young to participate in a submission way, hindered their approach to physiotherapy. Discussion: The different aspects present in the lives of adolescents with CF not only influence chronic illness, but also its treatment. Considering the interaction between health care professional and patient, the physiotherapist must be aware of their role in the organizational of work of these subjects. The actions of this professional should go beyond the issues of disease, also prioritizing the well-being and social life of adolescents with CF. Thus, the physiotherapist’s broader view and humanization care of young people with CF is as important as the chosen technique, consisting often in a valuable aid for facing the disease.

A fibrose cística (FC) é diagnosticada na presença de achados fenotípicos, história familiar ou triagem neonatal positiva acompanhada de evidência laboratorial de disfunção da CFTR, seja pelo teste do suor, diferença de potencial nasal ou pela identificação de duas mutações conhecidas como causa de FC nos genes da CFTR. Objetivos: Avaliar a contribuição da análise molecular do gene CFTR na investigação diagnóstica da fibrose cística em pacientes com suspeita de FC leve ou doença atípica. Secundariamente, comparar as características dos pacientes em 3 grupos: grupo com identificação de duas mutações conhecidas como causadoras da FC, grupo com identificação de apenas uma mutação e grupo sem mutação identificada. Métodos: Estudo transversal em adolescentes e adultos (≥14 anos). Os pacientes foram submetidos à avaliação clínica, laboratorial e radiológica; espirometria, microbiologia do escarro, ecografia hepática, teste do suor e análise molecular do gene CFTR. Resultados: Foram avaliados 37 pacientes com achados fenotípicos de FC, com ou sem confirmação pelo teste do suor. Houve predomínio do sexo feminino (75,7%) com média de idade de 32,5 ± 13,6 anos. A análise molecular contribuiu para o diagnóstico definitivo de FC em 3 casos (8,1%) dentre 37 pacientes em avaliação. Em 7 pacientes (18,9%) foram identificadas apenas uma mutação causadora de FC e em 26 pacientes (70,3%) não foram identificadas mutações. Nenhuma característica clínica estudada se associou com o diagnóstico genético. A mutação p.F508del foi a mais comum, encontrada em 5 pacientes. A associação de p.V232D e p.F508del foi encontrada em 2 pacientes. Outras mutações encontradas foram: p.A559T, p.D1152H, p.T1057A, p.I148T, p.V754M, p.P1290P e p.R1066H e p.T351S. Conclusão: A análise molecular da região codificante do gene CFTR apresentou contribuição limitada para investigação diagnóstica de pacientes com suspeita de fibrose cística leve ou doença atípica. Além disso, não houve associação entre as características clínicas e o diagnóstico genético. / Cystic fibrosis (CF) is diagnosed in the presence of phenotypic findings, family history or positive neonatal screening accompanied by laboratory evidence of CFTR dysfunction, either by sweat test, nasal potential difference or the identification of two mutations known to cause CF in the CFTR gene. Objectives: To evaluate the contribution of molecular analysis of CFTR gene in cystic fibrosis diagnostic investigation in patients with suspected mild FC or atypical disease. Secondarily, to compare the characteristics of patients into 3 groups: group with identification of two mutations known to cause CF, group with identification of just one mutation and group without mutations. Methods: Cross-sectional study in adolescent and adult (≥ 14 years). The patient underwent clinical, laboratory and radiological spirometry, sputum microbiology, liver ultrasound, sweat test and molecular analysis of the CFTR gene. Results: We evaluated 37 patients with phenotypic findings of FC, with or without confirmation by the sweat test. There was a predominance of females (75.7%) with a mean age of 32.5 ± 13.6 years. Molecular analysis contributed to the definitive diagnosis of CF in 3 cases (8.1%) among 37 patients under evaluation. In 7 patients (18.9%) were identified only one mutation that causes CF and in 26 patients (70.3%) were not identified mutations. No clinical feature studied was associated with genetic diagnosis. The P.F508del mutation was the most common, found in 5 patients. The association p.V232D and p.F508del was found in 2 patients. Other mutations found were: p.A559T, p.D1152H, p.T1057A, p.I148T, p.V754M, and p.P1290P p.R1066H and p.T351S. Conclusion: Molecular analysis of the CFTR gene coding region showed limited contribution to the diagnostic investigation of patients with suspected cystic fibrosis mild or atypical disease. Moreover, there was no association between clinical features and genetic diagnosis.

A fibrose cística (FC) é diagnosticada na presença de achados fenotípicos, história familiar ou triagem neonatal positiva acompanhada de evidência laboratorial de disfunção da CFTR, seja pelo teste do suor, diferença de potencial nasal ou pela identificação de duas mutações conhecidas como causa de FC nos genes da CFTR. Objetivos: Avaliar a contribuição da análise molecular do gene CFTR na investigação diagnóstica da fibrose cística em pacientes com suspeita de FC leve ou doença atípica. Secundariamente, comparar as características dos pacientes em 3 grupos: grupo com identificação de duas mutações conhecidas como causadoras da FC, grupo com identificação de apenas uma mutação e grupo sem mutação identificada. Métodos: Estudo transversal em adolescentes e adultos (≥14 anos). Os pacientes foram submetidos à avaliação clínica, laboratorial e radiológica; espirometria, microbiologia do escarro, ecografia hepática, teste do suor e análise molecular do gene CFTR. Resultados: Foram avaliados 37 pacientes com achados fenotípicos de FC, com ou sem confirmação pelo teste do suor. Houve predomínio do sexo feminino (75,7%) com média de idade de 32,5 ± 13,6 anos. A análise molecular contribuiu para o diagnóstico definitivo de FC em 3 casos (8,1%) dentre 37 pacientes em avaliação. Em 7 pacientes (18,9%) foram identificadas apenas uma mutação causadora de FC e em 26 pacientes (70,3%) não foram identificadas mutações. Nenhuma característica clínica estudada se associou com o diagnóstico genético. A mutação p.F508del foi a mais comum, encontrada em 5 pacientes. A associação de p.V232D e p.F508del foi encontrada em 2 pacientes. Outras mutações encontradas foram: p.A559T, p.D1152H, p.T1057A, p.I148T, p.V754M, p.P1290P e p.R1066H e p.T351S. Conclusão: A análise molecular da região codificante do gene CFTR apresentou contribuição limitada para investigação diagnóstica de pacientes com suspeita de fibrose cística leve ou doença atípica. Além disso, não houve associação entre as características clínicas e o diagnóstico genético. / Cystic fibrosis (CF) is diagnosed in the presence of phenotypic findings, family history or positive neonatal screening accompanied by laboratory evidence of CFTR dysfunction, either by sweat test, nasal potential difference or the identification of two mutations known to cause CF in the CFTR gene. Objectives: To evaluate the contribution of molecular analysis of CFTR gene in cystic fibrosis diagnostic investigation in patients with suspected mild FC or atypical disease. Secondarily, to compare the characteristics of patients into 3 groups: group with identification of two mutations known to cause CF, group with identification of just one mutation and group without mutations. Methods: Cross-sectional study in adolescent and adult (≥ 14 years). The patient underwent clinical, laboratory and radiological spirometry, sputum microbiology, liver ultrasound, sweat test and molecular analysis of the CFTR gene. Results: We evaluated 37 patients with phenotypic findings of FC, with or without confirmation by the sweat test. There was a predominance of females (75.7%) with a mean age of 32.5 ± 13.6 years. Molecular analysis contributed to the definitive diagnosis of CF in 3 cases (8.1%) among 37 patients under evaluation. In 7 patients (18.9%) were identified only one mutation that causes CF and in 26 patients (70.3%) were not identified mutations. No clinical feature studied was associated with genetic diagnosis. The P.F508del mutation was the most common, found in 5 patients. The association p.V232D and p.F508del was found in 2 patients. Other mutations found were: p.A559T, p.D1152H, p.T1057A, p.I148T, p.V754M, and p.P1290P p.R1066H and p.T351S. Conclusion: Molecular analysis of the CFTR gene coding region showed limited contribution to the diagnostic investigation of patients with suspected cystic fibrosis mild or atypical disease. Moreover, there was no association between clinical features and genetic diagnosis.

A fibrose cística (FC) é diagnosticada na presença de achados fenotípicos, história familiar ou triagem neonatal positiva acompanhada de evidência laboratorial de disfunção da CFTR, seja pelo teste do suor, diferença de potencial nasal ou pela identificação de duas mutações conhecidas como causa de FC nos genes da CFTR. Objetivos: Avaliar a contribuição da análise molecular do gene CFTR na investigação diagnóstica da fibrose cística em pacientes com suspeita de FC leve ou doença atípica. Secundariamente, comparar as características dos pacientes em 3 grupos: grupo com identificação de duas mutações conhecidas como causadoras da FC, grupo com identificação de apenas uma mutação e grupo sem mutação identificada. Métodos: Estudo transversal em adolescentes e adultos (≥14 anos). Os pacientes foram submetidos à avaliação clínica, laboratorial e radiológica; espirometria, microbiologia do escarro, ecografia hepática, teste do suor e análise molecular do gene CFTR. Resultados: Foram avaliados 37 pacientes com achados fenotípicos de FC, com ou sem confirmação pelo teste do suor. Houve predomínio do sexo feminino (75,7%) com média de idade de 32,5 ± 13,6 anos. A análise molecular contribuiu para o diagnóstico definitivo de FC em 3 casos (8,1%) dentre 37 pacientes em avaliação. Em 7 pacientes (18,9%) foram identificadas apenas uma mutação causadora de FC e em 26 pacientes (70,3%) não foram identificadas mutações. Nenhuma característica clínica estudada se associou com o diagnóstico genético. A mutação p.F508del foi a mais comum, encontrada em 5 pacientes. A associação de p.V232D e p.F508del foi encontrada em 2 pacientes. Outras mutações encontradas foram: p.A559T, p.D1152H, p.T1057A, p.I148T, p.V754M, p.P1290P e p.R1066H e p.T351S. Conclusão: A análise molecular da região codificante do gene CFTR apresentou contribuição limitada para investigação diagnóstica de pacientes com suspeita de fibrose cística leve ou doença atípica. Além disso, não houve associação entre as características clínicas e o diagnóstico genético. / Cystic fibrosis (CF) is diagnosed in the presence of phenotypic findings, family history or positive neonatal screening accompanied by laboratory evidence of CFTR dysfunction, either by sweat test, nasal potential difference or the identification of two mutations known to cause CF in the CFTR gene. Objectives: To evaluate the contribution of molecular analysis of CFTR gene in cystic fibrosis diagnostic investigation in patients with suspected mild FC or atypical disease. Secondarily, to compare the characteristics of patients into 3 groups: group with identification of two mutations known to cause CF, group with identification of just one mutation and group without mutations. Methods: Cross-sectional study in adolescent and adult (≥ 14 years). The patient underwent clinical, laboratory and radiological spirometry, sputum microbiology, liver ultrasound, sweat test and molecular analysis of the CFTR gene. Results: We evaluated 37 patients with phenotypic findings of FC, with or without confirmation by the sweat test. There was a predominance of females (75.7%) with a mean age of 32.5 ± 13.6 years. Molecular analysis contributed to the definitive diagnosis of CF in 3 cases (8.1%) among 37 patients under evaluation. In 7 patients (18.9%) were identified only one mutation that causes CF and in 26 patients (70.3%) were not identified mutations. No clinical feature studied was associated with genetic diagnosis. The P.F508del mutation was the most common, found in 5 patients. The association p.V232D and p.F508del was found in 2 patients. Other mutations found were: p.A559T, p.D1152H, p.T1057A, p.I148T, p.V754M, and p.P1290P p.R1066H and p.T351S. Conclusion: Molecular analysis of the CFTR gene coding region showed limited contribution to the diagnostic investigation of patients with suspected cystic fibrosis mild or atypical disease. Moreover, there was no association between clinical features and genetic diagnosis.

Orientador: José Dirceu Ribeiro / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-21T08:23:59Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Aguiar_KatiaCristinaAlberto_M.pdf: 5558123 bytes, checksum: 9ecbadfc1ac6fd35012e0cfd9b4cfeff (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012 / Resumo: Introdução: As características emocionais da Fibrose Cistica na adolescência, na visão pessoal de quem a vivencia é um tema pouco referenciado na literatura científica. A adolescência é um período por si próprio, carregado de possibilidades de conflitos emocionais. A associação com uma doença crônica e seu manejo, nesta etapa da vida pode maximizar estes conflitos. Objetivo: O presente estudo teve como objetivo compreender como é para o adolescente vivenciar a fibrose cística (FC), doença que necessita tratamento diário por toda vida e participação ativa do próprio paciente. A pesquisa estudou como os adolescentes convivem com a doença, quais suas necessidades e como eles percebem o futuro. Método: Utilizou-se o método clinico qualitativo, empregando-se a técnica de entrevista semi estruturada de questões abertas. Quarenta e dois pacientes aceitaram participar do estudo. Suas falas foram divididas em oito categorias e dez subcategorias que descrevem suas respostas em relação á vivência com a FC. Resultados: Os resultados evidenciam que os adolescentes apresentam sentimentos de medo da morte, vergonha, raiva, perda da liberdade, da escola, dos amigos e da confiança em si mesmo, necessidade de ajustamento ás rotinas diferenciadas, necessidade de igualdade e aceitação, perspectiva negativa e positiva em relação ao futuro e expectativas em relação ao futuro com FC. Conclusões: Os sentimentos relatados são influenciados pela doença e dificultam a maneira como eles lidam com ela. Espera-se que a compreensão dessas vivências possa estimular estudos longitudinais nos centros que atendem pacientes com FC / Abstract: Introduction: The emotional characteristics of a chronic disease in adolescence, in a personal vision of those who experience it, is a topic not much referenced in the scientific literature. Adolescence by itself is a life period full of emotional conflict possibilities. The association with a chronic disease and how to cope with it at this specific stage of life can increase these conflicts. Objective: The present research goal is to understand how adolescents deal with cystic fibrosis (CF), an illness which needs a diary treatment for a lifetime and active patient participation. It highlighted how adolescents live with the disease, what are their needs and what they expect from the future. Method: A clinical qualitative method was used employing a semi structured interview technique of open questions. A total of forty two patients accept to be involved in the study. Their speeches were divided into eight categories that describe the patient's answers according to how adolescents cope with CF. Results: Results highlighted that adolescents show feelings like fear of death, shame, rage, lost of freedom, school year, friend and self-confidence, needs of adjustment to differentiated routines, needs of equality and acceptance, negative perspective for the future, positive perspective for the future and expectations about the future with CF. Conclusions: Such feelings are influenced by the disease and input barriers on how adolescents cope with it. The comprehension of how to deal with a chronic disease should stimulate longitudinal studies at all centers that assist CF patients / Mestrado / Saude da Criança e do Adolescente / Mestra em Ciências

Class of 2012 Abstract / Specific Aims: The epithelial sodium channels (ENaC) found on the apical membranes of epithelial cells including those lining the respiratory tract are the rate limiting step of the absorption of excess fluid from the airspace of the alveoli. ENaC function is modulated by the effects of various physiologic signals such as the adrenergic and purinergic pathways, in addition to other local channels which control the flow of negatively charged ions such as the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). We sought to determine the influence of genetic variation on the alpha subunit of ENaC at amino acid position 663 on baseline exhaled ions and pulmonary function in patients with CF. Methods: We assessed pulmonary function ( forced vital capacity[FVC], forced expiratory volume in one second [FEV1], forced expiratory flow maximum[FEFmax]) using a Medical Graphics cardiopulmonary testing device (Minneapolis, MN). Measures of exhaled sodium (Na+) and chloride (Cl-) were obtained using exhaled breathe condensate collected on a Jaeger Ecoscreen condenser unit (Cardinal Health, Yorba Linda, CA) with Na+ quantification using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer (Analyst 100; Perkin Elmer, Norwalk, CT) and Cl- anion quantification using a Dionex AS11 HC column. Healthy n=31 (n=18[58%], 9[29%], and 4[13%] subjects; Body mass index (BMI)=23±1, 25±2, and 25±2kg/ m2 for AA, AT and TT groups respectively). CF n= 42 (n=33[79%], 7[16%], and 2[5%] subjects; BMI equals 23±7, 19±0.4, and 20±2.2kg/m2 for AA, AT and TT groups respectively). Main Results: We found that the distribution of genotypes in CF differed from healthy subjects, with the AA genotype in 80% of CF and 59% in healthy. No significant difference were demonstrated in healthy subjects between genotype groups for pulmonary function and exhaled chloride while the genotypes did differ in exhaled Na (Na=2.9±0.4, 1.7±0.3, and 3.7±1.1mmol/L for AA, AT, and TT respectively, ANOVA p=0.07). CF subjects with the AA genotype had a higher baseline exhaled Cl-, FEV1, and FEFmax than those in the AA group (Cl=0.125±0.038,0.0 27±0.007, and 0.033±0.02 mmol/L ; FEV1=71±5, 68±11, and 40±22L; FEFmax=86±4, 72±7, and 44±24L/sec; for AA, AT, and TT respectively, ANOVA p<0.05, Tukey [AA vs. TT] p<0.05) while exhaled Na+ and FVC were similar between genotypes. Conclusions: Our results suggest that CF subjects with the AA genotype of the alpha subunit of the ENaC have a higher baseline exhaled Cl- and a resulting increase in pulmonary function when compared to the overactive TT groupCF patients with the TT αENaC genotype are likely candidates for early identification and treatment with inhaled ENaC inhibitors or other modulators of this pathway in order to improve survival.

A descriptive correlational study investigated the possible relationship between family functioning and the self-concept development of adolescents with cystic fibrosis (CF). Twenty-two adolescents ranging from 13 to 19 years of age and members of their families volunteered to participate. The adolescents completed the Offer Self-image Questionnaire (OSIQ) and the Family Assessment Device (FAD). Thirty-four family members completed the FAD. Mean standard scores for the study population were compared to normative values for the OSIQ and the FAD. The Spearman rho correlation procedure was used to investigate relationships between scales of the two measures. Findings for the self-concept measure (OSIQ) revealed that the mean scores for the adolescents with CF were better than normative values with two exceptions; the mean score was lower than normative values on the Sexual Attitudes Scale for males and females ranging from 13 to 15 years of age and on the Body and Self-image Scale for males 13 to 19 years and females 13 to 15 years of age. On the family functioning measure (FAD) the mean scores for adolescents and their family members were lower than suggested healthy cut off scores (Epstein, Baldwin, & Bishop, 1983) with the exception of a higher score on the Roles Scale. However, scores of the sample were similar to FAD scores generated from a random sample considered by the authors of the FAD to be descriptive of the general family population (Miller, Bishop, Epstein, & Keitner, 1985). A positive relationship between well developed adolescent self-concept and positive family functioning was not indicated; most correlations between the OSIQ and FAD scales were negative. Health care for adolescents with CF should include addressing their sexual and body and self-image concerns and promoting healthy family functioning. Further investigation of self-concept and family functioning for adolescents with CF is warranted. / Applied Science, Faculty of / Nursing, School of / Graduate

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / The Gram-negative bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen which readily establishes itself in the lungs of people with cystic fibrosis (CF). Most CF patients have life-long P. aeruginosa infections. By modulating its own virulence and forming biofilms, P. aeruginosa is able to evade both host immune responses and antibiotic treatments. Previous studies have shown that the magnesium transporter MgtE plays a role in virulence modulation by inhibiting transcription of the type III secretion system, a mechanism by which bacteria inject toxins directly into the eukaryotic host cell. MgtE had already been identified as a magnesium transporter, and thus its role in regulating cytotoxicity was indicative of dual functions for this protein. This research focused on a structure-function analysis of MgtE, with the hypothesis that the magnesium transport and cytotoxicity functions could be exerted independently. Cytotoxicity assays were conducted using a co-culture model system of cystic fibrosis bronchial epithelial cells and a ∆mgtE strain of P. aeruginosa transformed with plasmids carrying wild type or mutated mgtE. Magnesium transport was assessed using the same mgtE plasmids in a Salmonella strain deficient in all magnesium transporters. Through analysis of a number of mgtE mutants, we found two constructs – a mutation in a putative magnesium binding site, and an N-terminal truncation – which demonstrated a separation of functions. We further demonstrated the uncoupling of functions by showing that different mgtE mutants vary widely in their ability to regulate cytotoxicity, whether or not they are able to transport magnesium. Overall, these results support the hypothesis of MgtE as a dual function protein and may lead to a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying P. aeruginosa virulence. By understanding virulence mechanisms, we may be able to develop treatments to reduce infections and pave the way to better health for people with cystic fibrosis.

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / The patients with Cystic fibrosis (CF), an inherent genetic disorder, suffer from chronic bacterial infection in the lung. In CF, modification of epithelial cells leads to alteration of the lung environment, such as inhibition of ciliary bacterial clearance and accumulation of thickened mucus in the airways. Exploiting these conditions, opportunistic pathogens like Pseudomonas aeruginosa cause lifelong persistent infection in the CF lung by forming into antibiotic-resistant aggregated communities called biofilms. Airway infections as well as inflammation are the two major presentations of CF lung disease. P. aeruginosa strains isolated from CF lungs often contain mutations in the mucA gene, and this mutation results in higher level expression of bacterial polysaccharides and toxic lipoproteins. In a previous work, we have found a putative lipoprotein gene (PA4326) which is overexpressed in antibiotic-induced biofilm formed on cultured CF-derived airway cells. In the current work, we speculated that this particular putative lipoprotein affects cellular cytotoxicity and immune-stimulation in the epithelial cells. We found that mutation of this gene (ΔPA4326) results in reduced airway cell killing without affecting other common virulence factors.Moreover, we observed that this gene was able to stimulate secretion of the proinflammatory cytokine IL-8 from host cells. Interestingly, we also found that ΔPA4326 mutant strains produced less pyocyanin exotoxin compared to the wild type. Furthermore, our results suggest that PA4326 regulates expression of the pyocyanin biosynthesis gene phzM, leading to the reduced pyocyanin phenotype. Overall, these findings implicate PA4326 as a virulence factor in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In the future, understating the molecular interplay between the epithelial cells and putative lipoproteins like PA4326 may lead to development of novel anti-inflammatory therapies that would lessen the suffering of CF patients.

A dependência de álcool acomete de 10 a 12% da população mundial, estando a associação entre uso abusivo do álcool e pancreatite crônica bem estabelecida. A suscetibilidade pancreática ao álcool é variável e apenas 5 a 10% dos etilistas crônicos desenvolvem pancreatite crônica, sendo o papel dos fatores genéticos neste processo praticamente desconhecido. O gene CFTR (cystic fibrosis transmenbrane conductance regulator) codifica proteína que funciona na membrana plasmática de células epiteliais e que tem papel chave na função pancreática exócrina normal, promovendo a regulação, da secreção de fluídos e bicarbonato, importantes para a diluição e a alcalinização do suco pancreático. Quando a função desta proteína é inadequada, observa-se obstrução de pequenos ductos por rolhas protéicas. Várias pesquisas buscam documentar a associação fibrose cística - pancreatite crônica, porém os resultados são conflitantes. Este trabalho pesquisou a freqüência de polimorfismos no trato de politiminas e poli TGs no intron 8 do gene CFTR em pacientes portadores de pancreatite crônica alcoólica. Foram estudados três grupos de pacientes: Grupo A - adultos alcoolistas com diagnóstico de pancreatite crônica; Grupo B - adultos alcoolistas sem pancreatopatia ou cirrose hepática e Grupo C - adultos sadios não alcoolistas. O DNA genômico para análise do gene CFTR foi extraído do sangue periférico, pesquisando-se a freqüência de polimorfismos no trato de politiminas e poli TGs no intron 8. O genótipo 5T/7T foi mais encontrado no grupo A do que no B (p = 0,0481), não havendo diferença quando comparados os grupos A e C (p = 0,1317). Pacientes com pancreatite crônica por álcool com o genótipo 5T/7T tiveram menor incidência de diabetes melito do que aqueles com outros genótipos (p = 0,0465). A combinação de haplótipos 10TG 7T / 11TG 7T foi mais freqüente nos grupos B e C do que no A e poderia, eventualmente, ser um fator protetor contra o desenvolvimento da pancreatite crônica. (p = 0,0080 e 0,0162). Em conclusão, há diferenças no intron 8 do gene CFTR em pacientes com pancreatite crônica alcoólica, quando comparados com alcoolistas não pancreatopatas e indivíduos com o genótipo 5T/7T teriam maior risco de desenvolver pancreatite crônica quando se tornam alcoolistas crônicos. / The alcohol dependence affects from 10 to 12% of the world-wide population, being the association between alcohol abuse and chronic pancreatitis well established. The pancreatic susceptibility to the alcohol is only 5 to 10%, being the paper of the genetic factors practically unknown. The CFTR gene (cystic fibrosis transmenbrane conductance regulator) codifies a protein that functions in the epithelial cells and has a role in pancreatic exocrine function, promoting regulation of the secretion of fluids and bicarbonate, important for the dilution and the alcalinization of the pancreatic juice. When the function of this protein is inadequate, blockage of small ducts occurs. Some research regist the association cystic fibrosis - chronic pancreatite, however the results are conflicting. This work searched the frequency of polymorphisms in the polyT and poly TGs tracts in intron 8 of CFTR gene in patients with alcoholic chronic pancreatitis. Three groups of patients have been studied: Group A - adult alcoholics with chronic pancreatitis; Group B - adult alcoholics without pancreatic disease or hepatic cirrhosis and Group C - non alcoholics healthy adults. DNA analysis of CFTR gene was made after extraction from peripheral blood samples. The 5T/7T genotype was more frequently found in group A that in B (p = 0.0481), with no difference when compared to group C (p = 0,1317). Patients with alcoholic chronic pancreatitis and 5T/7T genotype had less incidence of diabetes mellitus that those with other genotypes (p = 0,0465). The haplotype combination 10TG 7T / 11TG 7T was more frequent in groups B and C that in A and it could, eventually, be a protective factor against the development of alcoholic chronic pancreatitis. (p = 0,0080 and 0,0162). In conclusion, we found differences when these tree groups are compared and individuals with 5T/7T genotype would have greater risk to develop chronic pancreatitis if they become alcoholics.