A aterosclerose é um processo complexo, multifatorial que ainda não está totalmente esclarecido. Foi proposto que a resposta imune mediada por processos infecciosos e/ou inflamatórios influencia na patogênese de lesões ateroscleróticas. Os receptores TolI-likes (TLRs) estão envolvidos na resposta inata e em outros eventos fisiológicos através da interação com seus ligantes endógenos e exógenos e talvez envolvidos no processo aterogênico. Tem por objetivo analisar a expressão dos receptores Toll-like 2 e 4 (TLR2 e TLR4) associando o processo de sinalização com a presença de agentes infecciosos tais como a Chlamydia pneumoniae (CP) e Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP), em pacientes com infarto do miocárdio (MI) e em aneurismas aórticos. Foram obtidos fragmentos de aortas ascendentes de pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdio (G1, n=13) e de fragmentos de pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de correção de aneurisma aórtico (G2, n=14). Amostras congeladas e parafinadas foram analisadas por Imunohistoquímica (lHO) e Hibridização in situ (HIS) para detecção e localização da presença dos patógenos e TLRs. Realizou-se uma semiquantificação em microscópio (O, ausente; 1, discreto e focal; 2, moderado e focal e 3, intenso e difuso). Observou-se o grau de inflamação e de acúmulo de gordura. Outrossim, realizou-se PCR em tempo real (SYBR Green) para pesquisa de DNA de CP e MP, como também análise da expressão de mRNA de TLR2 e de TLR4. Na lHQ, constatou-se presença de MP, CP, TLR2 e TLR4 (G1 e G2), maior quantidade de MP (p=0,012) e de TLR4 (p=0,017) no G2. Houve correlação de CP com MP (r=0,810 e p=0,003) e de TLR2 com TLR4 (r=0,569 e p=0,034). Na HIS, constatou-se presença de MP, CP, TLR2 e TLR4 (G1 e G2), não houve diferenças significativas comparando-se os grupos (G1 x G2), porém houve correlação, no G1, de CP com TLR4 (r=0,730 e p=0,040) e de infiltrado inflamatório com células adiposas (r=0,700 e p=0,036). No G2, houve várias correlações: MP com CP (r=0,620 e p=0,016), MP com TLR4 (r=0,662 e p=0,010), CP com TLR2 (r=O,733 e p=0,003), CP com TLR4 (r=0,589 e p=0,027) e de TLR2 com TLR4 (r=0,714 e p=0,004). A PCR em tempo real mostrou presença de CP, pela segunda extração de DNA realizada (G2). Não houve diferença de expressão dos TLRs entre os grupos. A expressão de TLR2 foi maior do que de TLR4 no G1 (p=0,006). O grau de inflamação e o acúmulo de gordura foram maiores no G2 do que no G1(p=0,001). Estes dados sugerem uma relação da co-infecção CP e MP, na gravidade do processo inflamatório presente em placas ateroscleróticas e em pacientes com infarto do miocádio, como também, participação dos receptores Toll-like 2 e 4. / The atherosclerosis is a complex and multifactorial process that is not still completely elucidated. It has been proposed that immune-mediate response to inflammatory and/or infectious processes is implicated in the pathogenesis of the atherosclerotic lesions. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are involved in the innate response and other physiological events through binding to endogenous and exogenous ligands and it may be involved in the atherogenic process To investigate the Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) expression in atheroma plaques and its association with the presence of infectious agents such as Chlamydia pneumoniae (CP) and Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) in patients with myocardial infarction (MI) and aortic aneurysms. Fragments of ascending aorta were obtained from MI patients submitted to surgeries of revascularization of the myocardium (G1, n=13) and correction of aortic aneurism (G2, n=14). Frozen and paraffined samples slices were analyzed by Immunohistochemistry (lHQ) and in situ Hybridization for detection and localization of TLR2 and TLR4 expression and CP and MP antigens. There was semiquantification in microscope (0, absent; 1, discreet and focal; 2, moderate and focal; and 3, intense and diffuse). Histopathology was also carried out to investigate the inflammation degree and fat accumulation in these tissues. Real time PCR using SYBR Green System detection was used to stydy DNA CP and MP, also to analyze expression of mRNA TLR2 and TLR4. Using lHQ, it was verified presence of MP, CP, TLR2 and TLR4 (G1 and G2), larger amount of MP (p=0.012) and TLR4 (p=0.017) in G2. In G1 group, MP was positively correlated with CP (r=0.810, p=0.003), in G2, TLR2 with TLR4 (r=0.569, p=0.034). Using HIS, it was verified presence of MP, CP, TLR2 and TLR4 (G1 and G2), there were not significant differences between groups (G1 x G2), however, It was shown correlation between in G1, CP with TLR4 (r=0.730, p=0.040) and also inflammation with fat accumulation (r=0.700, p=0.036). In G2, there were several correlations: presence of MP with CP (r=0.620, p=0.016), MP with TLR4 (r=0.662, p=0.010), CP with TLR2 (r=0.733 p=0,003), CP with TLR4 (r=0.589, p=0.027) and TLR2 with TLR4 (r=0.714, p=0.004). Real time PCR showed presence of CP DNA using second purification accomplished (G2). There was not difference of expression TLRs among the groups. The expression of TLR2 was higher than TLR4 in G1 (p=0.006). Increased degree of inflammation and fat accumulation was also find in G2 than in G1 (p=0.001). These results are suggesting that the gravity of the inflammatory process in atherosclerotic plaques strongly are related to the presence of MP and CP co infection and expression of TLR2 and TLR4, as well in MI patients under myocardial revascularization.

Mycoplasma hominis est une bactérie opportuniste qui peut être responsable d’infections du tractus urogénital, d’infections néonatales ou d’infections disséminées notamment chez les patients immunodéprimés. La membrane des mycoplasmes constitue l’interface d’interaction directe avec le milieu extérieur en raison de l’absence de paroi. Cette membrane contient de nombreuses lipoprotéines qui ont le pouvoir d’activer des cellules dendritiques humaines (hDCs), d’induire la production de cytokines et de polariser le système immunitaire adaptatif. Nous avons étudié l’interaction de M. hominis PG21 avec les hDCs en nous penchant d’une part sur la fraction du mycoplasme qui active les hDCs et d’autre part sur la réponse immunitaire innée des hDCs. Apres avoir déterminé les lipoprotéines contenues dans un extrait TX-114 de M. hominis PG21, nous avons enrichi en lipoprotéines bioactives une fraction de vésicules membranaires du mycoplasme par une double extraction utilisant deux détergents non dénaturants, le Sarkosyl puis le Triton X-114. Apres séparation par SDS-PAGE, nous avons identifié vingt lipoprotéines qui pourraient entrainer la sécrétion d’IL-23 par les hDCs, notamment la lipoprotéine MHO_4720. Un lipopeptide synthétique correspondant à la fraction N-terminale de MHO_4720 est capable de stimuler les hDCs. En analysant les variations transcriptionnelles des gènes codant pour les 48 lipoprotéines de M. hominis PG21 par qRT-PCR, nous avons également déterminé que 21 lipoprotéines sont surexprimées après 4h ou 24h de contact entre le mycoplasme et les hDCs. Enfin, la réponse cellulaire a été évaluée par PCR array et ELISA. Nous avons observé l’activation d’inflammasome(s) par la mise en évidence de la production d’IL-1β dépendant de la caspase 5. / Mycoplasma hominis is involved in urogenital tract infections, neonatal infections or disseminated infections particularly in immunocompromised patients. Mycoplasmas have no cell wall and their membrane is the main interface mediating the interaction between the mycoplasma and its environment. Lipoproteins that are anchored to the extracellular side of the plasma membrane are known to induce the maturation of human dendritic cells (hDCs), to stimulate the pro-inflammatory cytokine production by hDCs and to polarize the adaptive immune system. We studied the interaction of M. hominis PG21 with hDCs in order to assess the lipoproteins that can induce the stimulation of hDCs, to determine the lipoproteins that are regulated upon interaction of the mycoplasma with the host cell and to evaluate the innate host cell response. Using a double extraction strategy with two non-denaturing detergents, Sarkosyl then Triton X-114, and separation by SDS-PAGE, we found that 20 lipoproteins may induce the secretion of IL-23 by the hDCs, especially the MHO_4720 lipoprotein. We showed that a synthetic lipopeptide corresponding to the N-terminus part of the MHO_4720 lipoprotein can stimulate the hDCs in a dose-dependent manner. Using qRT-PCR for the evaluation of the transcriptional regulation of the 48 lipoprotein-coding genes of M. hominis PG21, we also determined that 21 lipoproteins were upregulated upon 4h and 24h of contact of M. hominis with hDCs. Finally, the hDC innate immune response was evaluated by PCR array and ELISA. We observed a caspase 5-dependent production of IL- 1β corresponding to the activation of an inflammasome.

Mycoplasma agalactiae est responsable de l'agalactie contagieuse, maladie des petits ruminants difficilement contrôlée et figurant sur la liste de l’OIE. Afin d’évaluer la diversité génétique de ce pathogène, 101 isolats ont été comparés par trois techniques (VNTR, RFLP, répertoire vpma). Les résultats révèlent une grande homogénéité génétique dont la souche type PG2 est représentative. Quelques isolats font exception telle la souche 5632 que nous avons séquencée et analysée ici. La comparaison des génomes et des protéomes entre 5632 et PG2 indiquent que la plasticité de ces génomes est liée à d’importants échanges d'ADN et à la présence de nombreux éléments génétiques mobiles (10% du génome). Ces analyses révèlent également une forte dynamique au sein de répertoires de gènes codant des protéines de surfaces. Pour les mycoplasmes, bactéries minimales dépourvues de paroi, ces évènements ont certainement joués un rôle dans leur survie et leur adaptation à des hôtes complexes. / Mycoplasma agalactiae is responsible of contagious agalactia, a disease of small ruminants that is still difficult to control and is listed by the OIE. In order to evaluate the genetic diversity of this pathogen, 101 isolates were compared using three techniques (VNTR, RFLP, vpma repertoire). Results revealed a high genetic homogeneity with the PG2 type strain as representative. Some isolates however diverged such as the 5632 which was sequenced and analysed here. Whole comparative genomic and proteomic analyses of the 5632 and PG2 strains indicate that their genomic plasticity resides in important genes flux and in the presence of several mobile genetic elements (10% of the genome). These analyses also revealed that specific loci encoding repertoire of surface proteins are highly dynamic. For these minimal bacteria that lack a cell-wall, these events have most likely played a major role in their survival and adaptation to complex hosts.

INTRODUÇÃO: A inflamação das vias aéreas na asma envolve respostas imunes inatas. Os receptores do tipo Toll (Toll-like receptors, TLRs) e a citocina linfopoetina do estroma tímico (thymic stromal lymphopoietin, TSLP) estão envolvidos na inflamação brônquica da asma, mas a expressão destas proteínas em vias aéreas grandes e pequenas de asmáticos ainda não foi investigada. Os objetivos deste estudo foram analisar a expressão protéica de TLR2, TLR3, TLR4 e TSLP em vias aéreas grandes e pequenas de asmáticos, comparar sua expressão entre asmáticos tabagistas e não tabagistas e investigar se a expressão dos TLRs está associada à infecção por Chlamydophila pneumoniae e Mycoplasma pneumoniae. MÉTODOS: Foram analisadas por método imuno-histoquímico e análise de imagens as expressões de TLR2, TLR3, TLR4 e TSLP em vias aéreas grandes e pequenas de 24 indivíduos falecidos por asma (13 não tabagistas e 11 tabagistas) e 9 controles não asmáticos. A análise das proteínas foi realizada em quatro regiões das vias aéreas: camadas epitelial, interna, muscular e externa. A presença de C. pneumoniae e M. pneumoniae no tecido pulmonar foi investigada por meio de reação em cadeia da polimerase em tempo real. RESULTADOS: Os indivíduos asmáticos apresentaram maior expressão de TLR2 nas camadas epitelial e externa de vias aéreas grandes e pequenas, e maior TLR2 na camada muscular de vias aéreas pequenas. Asmáticos tabagistas tiveram menor expressão de TLR2 nas camadas interna e externa de vias aéreas pequenas do que asmáticos não tabagistas. Indivíduos asmáticos tiveram maior expressão de TSLP na camada epitelial e externa de vias aéreas grandes, aumento de TLR3 na camada externa de vias aéreas grandes e aumento de TLR4 na camada externa de vias aéreas pequenas. O DNA de C. pneumoniae e M. pneumoniae não foi detectado em nenhum indivíduo asmático ou controle. CONCLUSÕES: Os receptores da imunidade inata TLR2, 3 e 4 e a citocina TSLP estão aumentados nas vias aéreas de pacientes falecidos por asma, e a expressão dos TLRs não está associada à presença de Chlamydophila pneumoniae e Mycoplasma pneumoniae nos pulmões. O tabagismo em asmáticos parece reduzir a expressão de TLR2 em vias aéreas pequenas. Estes resultados sugerem que os TLRs 2, 3 e 4 e a TSLP podem contribuir com a inflamação brônquica presente em exacerbações graves de asma e que as bactérias C. pneumoniae e M. pneumoniae não estão envolvidas em óbitos por asma / INTRODUCTION: Airway inflammation in asthma involves innate immune responses. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and the cytokine thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) are involved in bronchial inflammation in asthma, but the expression of these proteins in large and small airways of asthmatics has not been investigated. The aims of this study were to analyze the protein expression of TLR2, TLR3, TLR4 and TSLP in large and small airways of asthmatics, to compare their expression in smoking and nonsmoking asthmatics and to investigate if TLR expression in associated with infection by Chlamydophila pneumoniae and Mycoplasma pneumoniae. METHODS: Using immunohistochemistry and image analysis, we investigated the expression of TLR2, TLR3, TLR4 and TSLP in large and small airways of 24 fatal asthma patients (13 nonsmokers and 11 smokers) and 9 nonasthmatic controls. The protein expression was analyzed in four regions of the airways: epithelial, internal, airway smooth muscle and outer layers. C. pneumoniae and M. pneumoniae presence in lung tissue was analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Fatal asthma patients had increased expression of TLR2 in the epithelial and outer layers of large and small airways, and also higher TLR2 in the muscle layer of small airways. Smoking asthmatics had lower TLR2 in the inner and outer layers of small airways than nonsmoking asthmatics. TSLP was increased in the epithelial and outer layers of large airways. Asthmatics also had greater TLR3 in the outer layer of large airways and greater TLR4 in the outer layer of small airways. C. pneumoniae and M. pneumoniae DNA was not detected in asthmatics or controls. CONCLUSIONS: Innate immunity receptors TLR2, 3 and 4 and innate cytokine TSLP are increased in the airways of fatal asthma patients, and TLRs expression is not associated with the presence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydophila pneumoniae in the lungs. Smoking may reduce TLR2 expression in the small airways of asthmatics. These results suggest that TLR2, 3, 4 and TSLP may contribute to the bronchial inflammation seen in severe exacerbations of asthma and that M. pneumoniae and C. pneumoniae are not involved in fatal asthma exacerbations

Introdução e Objetivo: A doença mixomatosa da valva mitral leva ao comprometimento de sua matriz devido à alteração em sua composição tecidual provocada pelo desequilíbrio na quantidade de ácidos mucopolissacarídeos ou glicosaminoglicanos. Sua etiologia ainda não está totalmente esclarecida, podendo ocorrer em formas familiares com transmissão autossômica dominante de penetrância variável, que pode ser dependente do tempo ou de prováveis fatores ambientais, situações em que a interação de agentes infecciosos necessita de maiores esclarecimentos. O objetivo deste estudo é a análise dos produtos dos patógenos da Chlamydophila pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae e Borrelia burgdorferi em segmentos de cúspide retirados da valva mitral com degeneração mixomatosa, comparada ao grupo controle e a relação dos produtos bacterianos com aumento de marcadores inflamatórios (CD20, CD48, CD68) e de metaloproteinase (MMP9) na etiopatogenia da degeneração mixomatosa da valva mitral. Método: Estudo observacional, analítico, tipo caso-controle, que analisou 2 grupos contendo 20 pacientes cada e divididos em grupo 1, composto por fragmentos de tecido valvar mitral com diagnóstico de degeneração mixomatosa extraídos em procedimentos de troca ou plásticas valvares mitrais; e grupo 2, formado por segmentos de valvas mitrais sem valvopatia retirados no serviço de verificação de óbito. Foram realizadas colorações de hematoxilina e eosina e Movat para diagnóstico histológico da degeneração mixomatosa e técnica de imunohistoquímica para detecção de antígenos da Borrelia burgdorferi, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, mediadores inflamatórios (CD20, CD45, CD68) e marcadores de metaloproteinase (MMP9). A presença de antígenos da Chlamydophila pneumonia e foi pesquisada pela técnica de hibridização in situ. A análise quantitativa dos aspectos microscópicos foi realizada com o analisador de imagens Aperio. A pesquisa de elementos bacterianos foi feita através de microscopia eletrônica de transmissão. Resultados: No grupo 1, 14 (70%) pacientes são do gênero masculino e 6 (30%) do gênero feminino. A idade média é de 67,4 anos (51 a 79 anos, dp = 9,2). No grupo 2, 11 (55%) pacientes são do gênero masculino e 9 (45%) do gênero feminino. A idade média é de 67,6 anos (42 a 84 anos, dp= 12,0). Na análise da porcentagem de degeneração mixomatosa pela coloração Movat, houve diferença com significância estatística entre os grupos DM (G1), com média de 54,6 % ± 23,7 e grupo controle (G2) com média de 35,5 % ± 22,5 com valor de p = 0,013. Houve um maior número de células CD20 positivas/mm2 no grupo com DM com mediana igual a 17,8 (6,7 - 27,9) x 4,6 (3,6 - 9,8) com p = 0,007 para a área 1. Houve maior número de células CD45 positivas/mm2 no grupo com DM com mediana igual a 17,3 (3,4 - 92,5) x 2,8 (1,4 - 10,1) com p = 0,008 para a área 1. Houve maior número de células CD68 positivas/mm2 no grupo controle (G2), porém sem significância estatística com mediana igual a 38,7 (26,6 - 81,8) x 70 (42,7 - 120,4) com p = 0,098 para a área 1. Em relação à presença de antígenos de Mycoplasma pneumoniae, houve uma maior área (?m2) de antígenos detectados no grupo 1, quando comparadas com o grupo 2 com diferença estatisticamente significante para as duas áreas. Na área 1, mediana de 180.993 (24.856 - 387.477) x 7.970 (2.736 - 15.992) com p < 0,001 e na área 2, mediana igual a 105.968 (2.503 - 416.585) x 7.190 (3.314 - 17.833) com p = 0,02 A análise da presença de antígenos de Chlamydophila pneumoniae demonstrou que em ambas as áreas, houve uma maior área (?m2) de antígenos detectados no grupo de valvas com degeneração mixomatosa, quando comparadas com o grupo controle, porém sem diferença estatística com mediana para o G1 de 9.905 (4.716 - 16.912) x 5.864 (2.382 - 8.692) com p = 0,2 e para o G2, mediana de 3.199 (1.791 - 10.746) x 2.536 (683 - 6.125) com p = 0,3. Em relação à presença de antígenos de Borrelia burgdorferi, houve uma maior área (um2) de antígenos detectados no grupo 2 em relação ao grupo 1, em ambas as áreas. Na área 1, mediana de 7.596 (3.203 - 13.519) x 10.584 (7.223 - 15.974) com p = 0,14 e na área 2, mediana igual a 5.991 (3.009 - 8.475) x 8.403 (1.626 - 27.887) com p = 0,47. Em relação à presença da metaloproteinase MMP9, observamos maior área (um2) de antígeno marcado de MMP9 no grupo com degeneração mixomatosa tanto na área 1 quanto na área 2, com diferença estatística significante. Na área 1, mediana de 503.894 (202.428 - 938.072) x 269.244 (111.953 - 354.022) com p = 0,03. Na área 2, houve diferença estatística representada pela mediana de 389.844 (214.459 - 679.711) x 144.397 (29.894 - 247.453) com p < 0,001. No grupo DM houve correlação positiva entre Borrelia burgdorferi e porcentagem de DM com R = 0,52 e p = 0,018. Em relação às células inflamatórias, houve correlação positiva entre CD45 e Mycoplasma pneumoniae com R = 0,51 e p = 0,02. A presença de MMP9 se correlacionou positivamente com a presença de Mycoplasma pneumoniae com R = 0,45 e p = 0,04. Estas correlações estiveram ausentes no grupo controle. Conclusões: Houve associação de agentes infecciosos Mycoplasma pneumoniae e Borrelia burgdorferi na etiopatiopatogenia da degeneração mixomatosa da valva mitral. Na análise da relação dos produtos bacterianos com os marcadores inflamatórios e com a metaloproteinase, houve relação positiva entre o marcador inflamatório CD45 e a metaloproteinase (MMP9) apenas com a Mycoplasma pneumoniae, nas valvas com degeneração mixomatosa. O marcador inflamatório CD68 foi encontrado em maior número no grupo controle / Background: The myxomatous mitral valve disease leads to impairment due to changes in their tissue composition caused by the imbalance in the amount of acid mucopolysaccharides or glycosaminoglycans. Its etiology is not yet fully understood and may occur in familial forms of autosomal dominant trait with variable penetrance that can be time-dependent or probable environmental factors, where the interaction of infectious agents requires further elucidation. The purpose of this study is the analysis of the pathogens products of Chlamydophila pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Borrelia burgdorferi in removed cusp segments of the mitral valve with myxoid degeneration, compared to the control group and the ratio of bacterial products with increased inflammatory markers (CD20, CD48, CD68) and metalloproteinase (MMP9) in the pathogenesis of myxomatous degeneration of the mitral valve. Method: Observational, analytical, case-control study which analyzed 2 groups of 20 patients each and divided in group 1, consisting of fragments of mitral valve tissue with diagnosis of myxomatous degeneration extracted in replacement procedures or mitral valve repair; group 2, formed by segments of mitral valves without valvolpaty clinial disease removed in the coroner service. Hematoxylin and eosin and Movat stains were done for histological diagnosis of myxoid degeneration and immunohistochemical technique for the detection of Borrelia burgdorferi, Mycoplasma pneumonia antigens, inflammatory mediators (CD20, CD45, CD68) and markers of metalloproteinase (MMP9). The presence of Chlamydophila pneumonia antigens was verified through an in situ hybridization technique. The quantitative analysis of the microscopic aspects was performed with the Aperio image analyzer. The research of bacterial elements was performed by a transmission electron microscopy. Results: In group 1, 14 (70%) patients were male and 6 (30%) were female. The mean age was (51 to 79 years, sd = 9.2). In group 2, 11 (55%) patients were male gender and 9 (45%) were female. The mean age was 67,6 years (42 to 84 years, sd= 12). In the analysis percentage of myxomatous tissue by Movat staining, there was a significant difference between the DM (G1) groups, with a media of 54.6 % ± 23,7 and control group (G2) with a media of 35.5 % ± 22.5 with p = 0.013. There was an increased number of CD20 cells/mm2 in myxomatous degeneration group (G1) with a median of 17.8 (6.7 - 27.9) x 4.6 (3.6 - 9.8) with p = 0.007 for the area 1. There was a higher number of CD45 cells/mm2 in myxomatous degeneration group (G1) with a median of 17.3 (3.4 - 92.5) x 2.8 (1.4 - 10.1) with p = 0.008 for the area 1. There was a higher number of CD68 cells/mm2 in control group (G2) without a statistically significant difference, with a median of 38.7 (26.6 - 81.8) x 70 (42.7 - 120.4) with p = 0,098 for the area 1. In quantifying Mycoplasma pneumoniae we observed a higher area (um2) antigen marked by, there was a higher amount of antigen detected in myxomatous degeneration group. In area 1, a median of 180,993 (24,856 - 387,477) x 7,970 (2,736 - 15,992) with p < 0.001 and in area 2, a median of 105,968 (2,503 - 416,585) x 7,190 (3,314 - 17,833) with p = 0.02. The analysis of the presence of Chlamydophila pneumoniae antigens showed that in both area, there was a larger area (?m2) antigens detected in the group of valves with MD when compared with the control group, but without significant differences with median for the G1 of 9,905 (4,716 - 16,912) x 5,864 (2,382 - 8,692), with p = 0.2 and the G2, median 3,199 (1,791 - 10,746) x 2,536 (683 - 6,125) with p = 0.3. Regarding the presence of Borrelia burgdorferi antigens, there was a greater area (?m2) antigens detected in group 2 than in group 1, in both areas. In one area, median 7,596 (3,203 - 13,519) x 10,584 (7,223 - 15,974), with p = 0.14 and in area 2, a median of 5,991 (3,009 - 8,475) x 8,403 (1,626 - 27,887) with p = 0.47. Regarding the presence of metalloproteinase MMP9, we observed a higher area (um2) antigen marked by MMP9 in the group with MD both in area 1and area 2, with statistically significant difference. In area 1, median of 503,894 (202,428 - 938,072) x 269,244 (111,953 - 354,022), p = 0.03. In area 2, median 389,844 (214,459 - 679,711) x 144,397 (29,894 - 247,453) with p < 0.001. In the DM group there was a positive correlation between Borrelia burgdorferi and the percentage of MD with R = 0.52 and p = 0.018. Regarding inflammatory cells, there was a positive correlation between CD45 and Mycoplasma pneumoniae with R = 0.51 and p = 0.02. The presence of MMP9 was positively correlated with the presence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae with R = 0.45 and p = 0.04. These correlations were absent in the control group. Conclusions: There was an association of infectious agents Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Borrelia burgdorferi in etiopathogeny of myxoid degeneration of the mitral valve. In the analysis of the relationship of bacterial products with the inflammatory markers and the metalloproteinase, there was a positive relationship between the inflammatory marker CD45 and metalloproteinase (MMP9) only with Mycoplasma pneumoniae. The inflammatory marker CD68 was found in greater numbers in the control group

No description available.

Introdução: Aneurisma de aorta é considerado uma doença inflamatória crônica, mas ainda é controverso se está relacionado a aterosclerose aos agentes infecciosos. Antígenos de Chlamydophila pneumoniae (CP) e Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) foram encontrados em grande quantidade nas placas instáveis que usualmente estão associadas a remodelamento positivo e inflamação do vaso. Metaloproteinase da matriz 9 (MMP-9) está implicada na fragilidade da parede vascular e na formação dos aneurismas. Os efeitos imunomodulatórios dos receptores ativados por proliferador de peroxissomo (PPARs) têm sido relacionados à aterosclerose. Objetivos: Comparar lesões ateroscleróticas graves com e sem aneurisma do ponto de vista inflamatório e infeccioso, analisando antígenos de MP e CP e expressão de MMP-9, TIMP-1 e PPARs. Métodos: No presente estudo quantificamos, através da técnica de imunoistoquímica, antígenos de MMP- 9, TIMP-1, PPARs a e , e dos agentes infecciosos CP e MP em fragmentos de aorta ateroscleróticos com aneurisma (n=14) e sem aneurisma (n=14). Resultados: A adventícia e o tecido adiposo periadventicial (TAP) dos aneurismas apresentaram intensa inflamação. Expressão de MMP-9 esteve aumentada no TAP e agentes infecciosos, TIMP-1 e PPAR a estiveram aumentados na adventícia e no TAP, sem diferença em relação a expressão de PPAR . Colágeno, TIMP-1 e PPARs estiveram positivamente correlacionados no grupo com aterosclerose, mas não no grupo com aneurisma. Conclusão: Nossos achados sugerem que aneurisma de aorta é uma complicação das lesões ateroscleróticas. Quantidade aumentada de Chlamydophila pneumoniae e Mycoplasma pneumoniae na adventícia e PAT sem correlação da resposta de TIMP-1 e PPARs são achados que estão associados com a presença de aneurisma nos segmentos de aorta ateroscleróticos / Introduction: Aortic aneurysm is considered a chronic inflammatory disease, but remains a controversial matter if it is related to atherosclerosis and infectious agents. Chlamydophila pneumoniae (CP) and Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) antigens were found in higher amount in unstable plaques that are usually associated to positive remodeling and vessel inflammation. Matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) has been implicated in vascular wall fragility and aneurysm development. The immunemodulator effects of peroxisome proliferators - activated receptor (PPARs) have been related to atherosclerosis. Objectives: To compare severe atherosclerotic lesions with and without aneurysms by inflammatory and infectious point of view, analyzing MP and CP, MMP-9, TIMP-1 and PPARs antigens. Methods: In the present study we quantified, using immunohistochemistry technique, MMP-9, TIMP-1, PPAR a and and infectious agents CP and MP antigens in aortic atherosclerotic fragments with aneurysms. (n=14) and without aneurysms (n=14). Results: Adventitia and periadventitial adipose tissue (PAT) from aneurysms showed intense inflammation. MMP-9 expression has increased in PAT and the infectious agents, TIMP-1 and PPAR a were increased in adventitia and PAT in aneurysmatic group, without difference related to PPAR expression. Collagen, TIMP-1 and PPARs were positively correlated in atherosclerotic group, but it was not observed in aneurysmatic group. Conclusion: Our data have suggested that aortic aneurysm is a complication of aortic atherosclerotic lesions. Increased amount of Chlamydophila pneumoniae and Mycoplasma pneumoniae in the adventitia and PAT without a correlated TIMP-1 and PPARs response are findings that were associated with the presence of aneurysm in atherosclerotic aortic segments

A aterosclerose é um processo complexo, multifatorial que ainda não está totalmente esclarecido. Foi proposto que a resposta imune mediada por processos infecciosos e/ou inflamatórios influencia na patogênese de lesões ateroscleróticas. Os receptores TolI-likes (TLRs) estão envolvidos na resposta inata e em outros eventos fisiológicos através da interação com seus ligantes endógenos e exógenos e talvez envolvidos no processo aterogênico. Tem por objetivo analisar a expressão dos receptores Toll-like 2 e 4 (TLR2 e TLR4) associando o processo de sinalização com a presença de agentes infecciosos tais como a Chlamydia pneumoniae (CP) e Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP), em pacientes com infarto do miocárdio (MI) e em aneurismas aórticos. Foram obtidos fragmentos de aortas ascendentes de pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdio (G1, n=13) e de fragmentos de pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de correção de aneurisma aórtico (G2, n=14). Amostras congeladas e parafinadas foram analisadas por Imunohistoquímica (lHO) e Hibridização in situ (HIS) para detecção e localização da presença dos patógenos e TLRs. Realizou-se uma semiquantificação em microscópio (O, ausente; 1, discreto e focal; 2, moderado e focal e 3, intenso e difuso). Observou-se o grau de inflamação e de acúmulo de gordura. Outrossim, realizou-se PCR em tempo real (SYBR Green) para pesquisa de DNA de CP e MP, como também análise da expressão de mRNA de TLR2 e de TLR4. Na lHQ, constatou-se presença de MP, CP, TLR2 e TLR4 (G1 e G2), maior quantidade de MP (p=0,012) e de TLR4 (p=0,017) no G2. Houve correlação de CP com MP (r=0,810 e p=0,003) e de TLR2 com TLR4 (r=0,569 e p=0,034). Na HIS, constatou-se presença de MP, CP, TLR2 e TLR4 (G1 e G2), não houve diferenças significativas comparando-se os grupos (G1 x G2), porém houve correlação, no G1, de CP com TLR4 (r=0,730 e p=0,040) e de infiltrado inflamatório com células adiposas (r=0,700 e p=0,036). No G2, houve várias correlações: MP com CP (r=0,620 e p=0,016), MP com TLR4 (r=0,662 e p=0,010), CP com TLR2 (r=O,733 e p=0,003), CP com TLR4 (r=0,589 e p=0,027) e de TLR2 com TLR4 (r=0,714 e p=0,004). A PCR em tempo real mostrou presença de CP, pela segunda extração de DNA realizada (G2). Não houve diferença de expressão dos TLRs entre os grupos. A expressão de TLR2 foi maior do que de TLR4 no G1 (p=0,006). O grau de inflamação e o acúmulo de gordura foram maiores no G2 do que no G1(p=0,001). Estes dados sugerem uma relação da co-infecção CP e MP, na gravidade do processo inflamatório presente em placas ateroscleróticas e em pacientes com infarto do miocádio, como também, participação dos receptores Toll-like 2 e 4. / The atherosclerosis is a complex and multifactorial process that is not still completely elucidated. It has been proposed that immune-mediate response to inflammatory and/or infectious processes is implicated in the pathogenesis of the atherosclerotic lesions. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are involved in the innate response and other physiological events through binding to endogenous and exogenous ligands and it may be involved in the atherogenic process To investigate the Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) expression in atheroma plaques and its association with the presence of infectious agents such as Chlamydia pneumoniae (CP) and Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) in patients with myocardial infarction (MI) and aortic aneurysms. Fragments of ascending aorta were obtained from MI patients submitted to surgeries of revascularization of the myocardium (G1, n=13) and correction of aortic aneurism (G2, n=14). Frozen and paraffined samples slices were analyzed by Immunohistochemistry (lHQ) and in situ Hybridization for detection and localization of TLR2 and TLR4 expression and CP and MP antigens. There was semiquantification in microscope (0, absent; 1, discreet and focal; 2, moderate and focal; and 3, intense and diffuse). Histopathology was also carried out to investigate the inflammation degree and fat accumulation in these tissues. Real time PCR using SYBR Green System detection was used to stydy DNA CP and MP, also to analyze expression of mRNA TLR2 and TLR4. Using lHQ, it was verified presence of MP, CP, TLR2 and TLR4 (G1 and G2), larger amount of MP (p=0.012) and TLR4 (p=0.017) in G2. In G1 group, MP was positively correlated with CP (r=0.810, p=0.003), in G2, TLR2 with TLR4 (r=0.569, p=0.034). Using HIS, it was verified presence of MP, CP, TLR2 and TLR4 (G1 and G2), there were not significant differences between groups (G1 x G2), however, It was shown correlation between in G1, CP with TLR4 (r=0.730, p=0.040) and also inflammation with fat accumulation (r=0.700, p=0.036). In G2, there were several correlations: presence of MP with CP (r=0.620, p=0.016), MP with TLR4 (r=0.662, p=0.010), CP with TLR2 (r=0.733 p=0,003), CP with TLR4 (r=0.589, p=0.027) and TLR2 with TLR4 (r=0.714, p=0.004). Real time PCR showed presence of CP DNA using second purification accomplished (G2). There was not difference of expression TLRs among the groups. The expression of TLR2 was higher than TLR4 in G1 (p=0.006). Increased degree of inflammation and fat accumulation was also find in G2 than in G1 (p=0.001). These results are suggesting that the gravity of the inflammatory process in atherosclerotic plaques strongly are related to the presence of MP and CP co infection and expression of TLR2 and TLR4, as well in MI patients under myocardial revascularization.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-08-20T13:32:50Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 tese_fabricio_rochedo_conceicao.pdf: 327058 bytes, checksum: 658bb226c85f41df4bb5329fd71ab1d7 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2005-05-23 / SUMMARY CONCEIÇÃO, FABRICIO ROCHEDO, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, may 2005. Production and Evaluation of Recombinant Subunit Vaccine Against Swine Enzootic Pneumonia. Advisor: Odir Antônio Dellagostin. Co-Advisor: Swine Enzootic Pneumonia (SEP), caused by bacterium Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, is the most important respiratory disease in swine breeding. The commonly used vaccines to control this disease consist of bacterins, whose production cost is high and the efficiency is limited. The objective of this study was to develop and to evaluate a new alternative for controlling SEP, based on a recombinant subunit vaccine (rLTBR1) containing the R1 region of P97 adhesin of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (R1) fused to the B subunit of the heat-labile enterotoxin of Escherichia coli (LTB). rLTBR1 formed functional oligomers that presented high affinity to GM1 ganglioside. Mice inoculated with rLTBR1 (IN or IM) produced high levels of anti-R1 systemic and mucosal (sIgA) antibodies, which recognized the native P97. On the other hand, mice inoculated with the commercial bacterin did not produce anti-R1 antibodies. The administration route influenced the modulation of the immune response by LTB, showing that IM rLTBR1 induced Th2-biased immune responses and IN rLTBR1 induced Th1-biased immune responses. IN rLTBR1 also induced IFN-γ secretion by lymphocytes. The rLTB showed to be a powerful mucosal adjuvant, stimulating the production of anti-R1 IgA in trachea and bronchi from mice inoculated with rLTBR1 by parenteral route (IM). rLTBR1 may constitute a new strategy for preventing infection by Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae and may have potential for developing vaccines against other infectious diseases as well. Now a day, the efficacy of this vaccine is being evaluated in specific pathogen free swine. / A Pneumonia Enzoótica Suína (PES), causada pela bactéria Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, é a doença respiratória mais importante na suinocultura. As vacinas convencionais utilizadas para controlar esta doença consistem de bacterinas, que apresentam custo de produção elevado e eficiência limitada. O objetivo deste estudo foi desenvolver e avaliar uma nova alternativa para controlar a PES, baseada em uma vacina de subunidade recombinante (rLTBR1) composta pela região R1 da adesina P97 de Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (R1) fusionada a subunidade B da enterotoxina termolábil de Escherichia coli (LTB). rLTBR1 formou oligômeros funcionais que apresentaram alta afinidade pelo gangliosídeo GM1. Camundongos inoculados com rLTBR1 (I.M. ou I.N.) produziram altos níveis de anticorpos sistêmicos e de mucosa anti-R1, os quais reconheceram a P97 nativa. Por outro lado, os camundongos inoculados com a bacterina comercial não produziram anticorpos anti-R1. A rota de administração influenciou a modulação da resposta imune pela LTB, demonstrando que a rLTBR1 I.M. induziu uma resposta do tipo Th2 e a rLTBR1 I.N. do tipo Th1. rLTBR1 I.N. também induziu a secreção de IFN-γ por linfócitos. A rLTB demonstrou ser um potente adjuvante da imunidade de mucosa, estimulando a produção de IgA anti-R1 na traquéia e brônquios de camundongos inoculados com rLTBR1 através de rota parenteral (I.M.). A rLTBR1 pode constituir uma nova ferramenta para prevenir a infecção por M. hyopneumoniae, sendo que a estratégia utilizada pode ser aplicada no desenvolvimento de vacinas contra outras doenças infecciosas. Atualmente, a eficácia da rLTBR1 está sendo avaliada em suínos livres de patógenos específicos. rLTBR1; P97; LTB.

The process of translation initiation is the most highly regulated step of protein synthesis. In bacteria, three initiation factors (IF1, IF2 and IF3) play crucial roles during initiation. IF3 acts as an anti-association factor for the two ribosomal subunits. Eubacterial IF3 also permits initiator tRNA (i-tRNA) selection at the P site of the ribosome. Two features of i-tRNA, i. e. the characteristic 3GC base pairs in the anticodon stem and the cognate interaction of the anticodon sequence with the initiation codon of the mRNA contribute to IF3 based selection and/or proofreading. However, the exact mechanism of this discrimination and the contribution of the individual domains towards this process of selection/ proofreading are unclear. Further, there are exceptional instances in the natural world where either the codon-anticodon interaction or the anticodon stem composition deviates from the norm. For instance, in mammalian mitochondria, non-AUG codons such as AUU and AUA are present in the genome although they are notoriously poor initiation codons. In addition, some species of Mycoplasma have i-tRNAs with variations in the typically conserved 3GC base pairs of the anticodon stem. In this study, we have investigated the mechanism of proofreading activity of IF3 of E. coli, mitochondrial and mycoplasmal origins. Part I: Proofreading function of IF3 in E. coli IF3 is composed of N and C terminal domains joined by a flexible linker region. By means of complete and partial IF3 knockouts, we show that the C-terminal domain (CTD) is essential for the survival of E. coli while the N-terminal (NTD) is required for cellular fitness. Using reporter assays, we have established the role of the NTD in proofreading, while polysome profile analyses reaffirm that the CTD alone can bind to the 30S and carry out ribosome anti-association. Therefore, we show that the CTD is the ribosome binding and anti-association domain, while the NTD is the major proofreading domain. Unpublished cryoEM structures from Prof. Ramakrishnan’s lab indicate that the NTD of IF3 pushes the i-tRNA at its elbow and helps in P site accommodation of the i-tRNA. We propose that when the codon-anticodon interaction is non-cognate or if the 3GC base pairs of the anticodon stem are not intact, then the dynamic action of the NTD destabilises the tRNA at the P site and leads to its rejection. Part II: Proofreading function of mitochondrial IF3 (IF3mt) Of the 13 protein-coding genes in mammalian mitochondria, 3 utilise the non-canonical AUA codon and one utilises the non-canonical start codon AUU. Since IF3mt does not possess many of the generally conserved residues implicated in proofreading, we decided to characterise the proofreading function of IF3mt and its role in initiation with non-canonical start codons. Structurally, IF3mt is similar to EcoIF3 with its N and C terminal domains joined by a linker region. However, IF3mt additionally possesses N- and C-terminal extensions which are generally disordered in structure. In vivo studies of mitochondrial translation factors have been mired by the lack of methodologies to manipulate mitochondria. We have developed an E. coli strain to study the proofreading functions of mitochondrial IF3 (IF3mt) with the help of reporter genes. Consistent with its function in mitochondria, IF3mt allowed promiscuous initiation from non-AUG codons. However, IF3mt avoided initiation with i-tRNAs lacking evolutionarily conserved 3GC pairs in anticodon stems. Interestingly, expression of IF3mt N-terminal domain or IF3mt devoid of its typical N-, and C-terminal extensions significantly improved its proofreading activity. Our immunoblot assays from polysome profile fractions indicate that the IF3mt derivative lacking extensions is capable of superior 30S ribosome binding. The two derivatives of IF3mt missing the Next (IF3mtΔNext) or both the Next and Cext (IF3mtΔNextCext) display an affinity for the 50S ribosome. We propose that the extensions of IF3mt may have evolved to reduce the affinity of IF3mt to the ribosome and thereby permit initiation with non-canonical start codons like AUU and AUA. Our studies suggest that E. coli provides an excellent heterologous model to study distinctive features of mitochondrial factors. Part III: Fidelity of translation initiation in mycoplasma One of the many singular features of mycoplasma is the presence of many anticodon stem variants of the i-tRNA across different species. In general, i-tRNAs are characterized by the presence of the typical feature of the conserved 3 consecutive GC base pairs (GC/GC/GC) in the anticodon stem. However, many mycoplasmal species have i-tRNAs with AU/GC/GC, GC/GC/GU or AU/GC/GU sequences. Interestingly, the mycoplasmal species which harbour the AU/GC/GU i-tRNA are also human pathogens. Therefore, we decided to investigate whether these organisms possess any unique features to accommodate the i-tRNA variants, by investigating the usage of Shine Dalgarno sequences and by carrying out multiple sequence alignments of genes encoding initiation factors, ribosomal proteins S9 and S13 and 16S rRNA. Since IF3 plays a crucial role in i-tRNA selection, we carried out computational analysis of mycoplasmal IF3 sequences, which revealed many interesting features. Most striking amongst them was the variation of the highly conserved R at position 131 in some species. Interestingly, these were the very mycoplasmal species which possessed the anticodon stem variant AU/GC/GU, suggesting a strong correlation between these two features. It is known that the R131P mutation of EcoIF3 is characterised by an enormous loss of proofreading activity. It seemed unusual that such compromised proofreading would be tolerated in the cell, so we decided to investigate other components of the translational machinery as well. The C-terminal SKR tail of the ribosomal protein S9, which contacts the P-site tRNA, is highly conserved across bacteria. Analysis of the C-terminal sequences of S9 proteins in various mycoplasmal species revealed a surprising variation- the presence of a TKR tail in strains with the AU/GC/GU tRNA. In this study we have investigated the co-occurrence of S9 and IF3 variations in i-tRNA selection in E. coli. We see that the R131P polymorphism of IF3 leads to a tremendous loss of proofreading, but this loss is significantly tempered by the presence of the S9 TKR variation. Our bioinformatics studies revealed that the mycoplasmal species which are sustained on AU/GC/GU i-tRNAs also tend to use a higher percentage of non-AUG codons. By means of our reporter assays in E. coli, we have shown once again that the R131P polymorphism of IF3 leads to a tremendous increase in initiation with the non-canonical start codon AUA, but this increase is significantly tempered by the presence of the S9 TKR variation.