Abstract Objective To analyze the serum levels of TNF-alpha and its TNF-R1 and TNF-R2 receptors in the blood of patients with low-impact fractures due to osteoporosis, comparing between genders and with healthy patients. Methods The present study was conducted with a blood sample of 62 patients, divided into patients with osteoporosis and healthy patients. The results were obtained using the ELISA method. Cytokine concentrations were determined based on the absorbance values obtained. Results Serum TNF-alpha levels were undetectable in female patients, while in males they were found only in one patient, with no significant difference. Similar results were found in the analyses of TNF-R1 and TNF-R2 levels, a significant increase in levels of TNF-alpha receptors in the groups of patients with osteoporosis compared with the control groupinbothsexes.There wasnosignificant difference between the sexes in the dosage of both receptors within the group with osteoporosis. There was also a positive and significant correlation in the levels of TNF-R1 and TNF-R2 only in women. Conclusion The significant increase in TNF-R1 and TNF-R2 levels in women with osteoporosis suggest that the release and expression of these receptors may be contributing differently to the development of osteoporosis in men and women.

Resumo Objetivo Analisar os níveis séricos de TNF-alfa e de seus receptores TNF-R1 e TNF-R2 no sangue de pacientes com fraturas de baixo impacto, decorrentes de osteoporose, comparando entre os sexos e com pacientes saudáveis. Métodos Oestudofoi realizadocom amostradesanguede 62 pacientes,divididos em pacientes com osteoporose e pacientes saudáveis. Os resultados foram obtidos através do método de ELISA. As concentrações de citocinas foram determinadas com base nos valores de absorbância obtidos. Resultados Os níveis séricos de TNF-alfa foram indetectáveis nos pacientes do sexo feminino, enquanto no masculino encontrou-se somente em um paciente, não havendo diferença significativa. Encontrou-se resultados semelhantes nas análises dos níveis de TNF-R1 e TNF-R2, aumento significativo nos níveis dos receptores de TNF-alfa nos grupos de pacientes com osteoporose em comparação com o grupo controle, em ambos os sexos. Não houve diferença significativa entre os sexos na dosagem de ambos os receptores dentro do grupo com osteoporose. Houve ainda correlação positiva e significativa nos níveis de TNF-R1 e TNF-R2 apenas nas mulheres. Conclusão O aumento significativo nos níveis de TNF-R1 e TNF-R2 em mulheres com osteoporose sugerem que a liberação e expressão destes receptores pode estar contribuindo de maneira distinta no desenvolvimento da osteoporose em homens e mulheres.

Abstract Objectives: Upper respiratory tract infections in children generally have significant morbidity and mortality. There is little data available about functional immaturity of the immune system and the child’s susceptibility to infections at the beginning of their lives, thus, justifying a more specific immunological analysis. Method: Analysis of hemograms and innate and adaptive immune responses in 95 children between age 1 to 6 years with episodes of recurrent respiratory infections (test group n = 39) and without these episodes (control group n = 56) was carried out. The production of reactive oxygen intermediates by peripheral blood cells stimulated by phorbol myristate acetate was analyzed. Additionally, the number of B lymphocytes, auxiliary T lymphocytes, and cytotoxic cells was determined using flow cytometry. Results: Results from both groups did not show statistically significant differences in red blood cells, total leukocytes count, and the differential neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes count. The analysis of the number of B lymphocytes, auxiliary T lymphocytes (LTCD4), and cytotoxic cells (LTCD8) also did not show any difference between both groups. However, the production of radical oxygen intermediates was significantly reduced in the test group as compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: There was no difference in the analysis of hemograms, leukograms, or the number of lymphocytes, LTCD4, LTCD8, or LTCD19. The reduced production of oxygen intermediates in the affected group suggests that these children’s microbicide capacity is compromised, which may be related to their recurrent respiratory infections.

Abstract Background: Triatomines are blood-feeding arthropods belonging to the subfamily Triatominae (Hemiptera; Reduviidae), capable of producing immunomodulatory and water-soluble molecules in their hemolymph, such as antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). In this work, we evaluated the antifungal and immunomodulatory activity of the hemolymph of Meccus pallidipennis (MPH) and Rhodnius prolixus (RPH) against Cryptococcus neoformans. Methods: We assessed the activity of the hemolymph of both insects on fungal growth by a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assay. Further, RAW 264.7 macrophages were cultivated with hemolymph and challenged with C. neoformans. Then, their phagocytic and killing activities were assessed. The cytokines MCP-1, IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-10, IL-12, and IL-6 were measured in culture supernatants 4- and 48-hours post-infection. Results: Both hemolymph samples directly affected the growth rate of the fungus in a dose-dependent manner. Either MPH or RPH was capable of inhibiting fungal growth by at least 70%, using the lowest dilution (1:20). Treatment of RAW 264.7 macrophages with hemolymph of both insects was capable of increasing the production of MCP-I and TNF-α. In addition, when these cells were stimulated with hemolymph in the presence of C. neoformans, a 2- and a 4-fold increase in phagocytic rate was observed with MPH and RPH, respectively, when compared to untreated cells. For the macrophage killing activity, MPH decreased in approximately 30% the number of viable yeasts inside the cells compared to untreated control; however, treatment with RPH could not reduce the total number of viable yeasts. MPH was also capable of increasing MHC-II expression on macrophages. Regarding the cytokine production, MCP-I and TNF-α, were increased in the supernatant of macrophages treated with both hemolymphs, 4 and 48 hours after stimulation. Conclusion: These results suggested that hemolymph of triatomines may represent a source of molecules capable of presenting antifungal and immunomodulatory activity in macrophages during fungal infection.

ABSTRACT Background: Domestic pigeons carry pathogens in their droppings, posing a potential public health problem. Methods: The phenotypic and genotypic antimicrobial resistances of Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecium in the feces of urban pigeons near hospitals with intensive care units were measured. Results: Twenty-nine samples showed Enterococcus growth, whereas one was positive for S. aureus. The S. aureus isolate was sensitive to the antibiotics tested via antibiogram, however resistance genes were identified. E. faecium isolates showed phenotypic resistance to gentamicin, erythromycin, and ciprofloxacin. Conclusions: Antimicrobial profiles harmful to health were demonstrated in bacterial pathogens isolated from the external environment of hospitals.

ABSTRACT Background: The screening of Trypanosoma cruzi-infected blood donors using two serological techniques frequently leads to conflicting results. This fact prompted us to evaluate the diagnostic performance of four “in-house” immunodiagnostic tests and two commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). Material and Methods: One hundred and seventy-nine blood donors, whose screening for Chagas disease was doubtful, underwent three in-house ELISAs, one in-house immunoblotting test (TESA-blot), and two commercial ELISAs (bioMérieux and Wiener) in an attempt to define the presence or absence of infection. Simultaneously, 29 donors with previous positive results from three conventional serological tests and 30 donors with constant negative results were evaluated. Results: The ELISA-Wiener showed the highest rate in sensitivity (98.92%) and the ELISA-bioMérieux, the highest specificity (99.45%), followed by the TESA-blot, which showed superior performance, with lower false-negative (2.18%) and false-positive (1.12%) rates. In series, the combination composed of the TESA-blot and ELISA-bioMérieux showed slightly superior performance, with trifunctional protein deficiency (TFP) = 0.01%. Conclusion: Our study confirms the high sensitivity and specificity of commercial kits. To confirm the presence or absence of T. cruzi infection, the combination of TESA-blot and ELISA-bioMérieux may be suggested as the best alternative. Individually, the TESA-blot performed the closest to the gold standard; however, it is not commercially available.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar a influência dos níveis hormonais de vitamina D, calcitonina, testosterona, estradiol e paratormônio em pacientes com fratura atribuída a osteoporose, quando comparados com pacientes jovens que tiveram fraturas decorrentes de acidente de alto impacto. Métodos Foram coletadas amostras de sangue de 30 pacientes idosos com fratura atribuída a osteoporose (T-score ≤-2,5) (grupo com osteoporose) e 30 amostras de sangue de pacientes jovens que sofreram fraturas decorrentes de acidentes de alto impacto (grupo controle). Foram realizadas dosagem de 1,25-hidroxivitamina D (Kit Diasorin, Saluggia, Italy), calcitonina (Kit Siemens, Tarrytown, NY, USA), testosterona, estradiol e paratormônio (Kit Beckman Couter, Indianapolis, IN, United States) pela técnica de quimiluminescência. Os dados foram inseridos em uma planilha de dados no programa Microsoft Excel (Microsoft Corp., Redmond, WA, EUA) e analisados pelo programa de estatística Statview. Os resultados que apresentaram distribuição não normal foram analisados com métodos não paramétricos. Para análise de variáveis comparando-se os dois grupos, aplicou-se o teste Mann-Whitney. Foi utilizado o teste de correlação de Spearman para a correlacionar os níveis hormonais. Um valor-p >0.05 foi considerado significante. Todas as análises foram feitas comparando gênero e grupos de pacientes come sem osteoporose. Resultados Mulheres com osteoporose apresentam níveis significativamente menores de estradiol e vitamina D (p = 0.047 e p = 0.0275), respectivamente. Homens com osteoporose demonstraram níveis significativamente maiores de paratormônio (p = 0.0065). Não houve diferença significativa nos níveis de testosterona e calcitonina. Conclusão Existem diferenças hormonais entre os gêneros na osteoporose. Em mulheres, níveis significativamente menores de estradiol e vitamina D e, nos homens, níveis significativamente maiores de paratormônio, parecem influenciar na doença.

Abstract Objective The present study aims to evaluate the influence of hormonal levels of vitamin D, calcitonin, testosterone, estradiol, and parathyroid in patients with fractures attributed to osteoporosis when compared with young patients with fractures resulting from high-impact accidents. Methods Blood samples were collected from 30 elderly patients with osteoporosisattributed fractures (T-score ≤-2.5) (osteoporotic group), and from 30 young patients with fractures resulting from high-impact accidents (control group). Measurement of 1,25-hydroxyvitamin D (Kit Diasorin, Saluggia, Italy), calcitonin (Kit Siemens, Tarrytown, NY, USA), testosterone, estradiol, and parathyroid hormone (Kit Beckman Couter, Indianapolis, IN, United States) was performed using a chemiluminescence technique. Data were inserted into a Microsoft Excel (Microsoft Corp., Armonk, WA, USA) spreadsheet and analyzed using Statview statistical software. Results showing non-normal distribution were analyzed with nonparametric methods. The Mann-Whitney test was applied for group comparison, and a Spearman test correlated hormonal levels. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. All analyzes compared gender and subjects with and without osteoporosis. Results Women with osteoporosis had significantly lower levels of estradiol and vitamin D (p = 0.047 and p = 0.0275, respectively). Men with osteoporosis presented significantly higher levels of parathyroid hormone (p = 0.0065). There was no significant difference in testosterone and calcitonin levels. Conclusion Osteoporosis patients presented gender-related hormonal differences. Women had significantly lower levels of estradiol and vitamin D, whereas men had significantly higher parathyroid hormone levels, apparently impacting the disease.

Abstract Background Mycobacterium leprae and Mycobacterium lepromatosis are gram-positive bacterial pathogens and the causative agents of leprosy in humans across the world. The elimination of leprosy cannot be achieved by multidrug therapy alone, and highlights the need for new tools and drugs to prevent the emergence of new resistant strains. Methods In this study, our contribution includes the prediction of vaccine targets and new putative drugs against leprosy, using reverse vaccinology and subtractive genomics. Six strains of Mycobacterium leprae and Mycobacterium lepromatosis (4 and 2 strains, respectively) were used for comparison taking Mycobacterium leprae strain TN as the reference genome. Briefly, we used a combined reverse vaccinology and subtractive genomics approach. Results As a result, we identified 12 common putative antigenic proteins as vaccine targets and three common drug targets against Mycobacterium leprae and Mycobacterium lepromatosis. Furthermore, the docking analysis using 28 natural compounds with three drug targets was done. Conclusions The bis-naphthoquinone compound Diospyrin (CID 308140) obtained from indigenous plant Diospyros spp. showed the most favored binding affinity against predicted drug targets, which can be a candidate therapeutic target in the future against leprosy.

RESUMO Introdução: A pré-eclâmpsia (PE) é definida pelo desenvolvimento de hipertensão arterial associada à proteinúria após a semana de gestação em mulheres previamente normotensas. A interleucina 17A (IL17A) é um potente indutor de inflamação tecidual, e polimorfismos no gene IL17A podem modular a expressão gênica e afetar o funcionamento das células Th17, contribuindo para a suscetibilidade à PE. Objetivo: Investigar os polimorfismos rs4711998 A>G, rs8193036 C>T e rs2275913 A>G no gene IL17A em mulheres com PE. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo do tipo caso-controle, composto por 263 mulheres, sendo 89 diagnosticadas com PE e 174 do grupo-controle. Os polimorfismos investigados foram avaliados a partir do ácido desoxirribonucleico (DNA) genômico extraído do sangue periférico pela técnica de discriminação alélica por reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) em tempo real. O risco de os polimorfismos do gene IL17A contribuírem com a PE foi avaliado pelo modelo de herança através da regressão logística. O poder estatístico apresentou 99,5% para a detecção de associação. A significância estatística foi definida como p < 0,05. Resultados: As frequências genotípicas, assim como a análise de regressão logística múltipla, não foram estatisticamente significativas para os polimorfismos rs3761549 C>T, rs3761548 A>C e rs2232365 A>G do gene IL17A. Não foi observada associação entre nenhum dos haplótipos dos polimorfismos investigados e o risco de desenvolvimento de PE. Conclusão: Não há associação entre as frequências alélicas e genotípicas, os modelos de herança e os haplótipos dos polimorfismos rs4711998 A>G, rs8193036 C>T e rs2275913 A>G do gene IL17A e a PE.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Preeclampsia is defined by the development of hypertension associated with proteinuria after the 20th week of gestation in previously normotensive women. IL17A is a potent inducer of tissue inflammation and polymorphisms in the IL17A gene can modulate gene expression and affect the functioning of Th17 cells, strengthening susceptibility to preeclampsia. Objective: To investigate the polymorphisms rs4711998 A>G, rs8193036 C>T and rs2275913 A>G in the IL17A gene in women with preeclampsia. Methods: This is a control case study, composed of 263 women, 89 with preeclampsia and 174 of the control group. The polymorphisms investigated by real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) allele discrimination technique. The risk of IL17A polymorphisms contributing to preeclampsia was assessed by the inheritance model through logistic regression. Statistical power presented 99.5% for association detection. Statistical significance was defined as p < 0.05. Results: Genotype frequencies as well as multiple logistic regression analysis were not statistically significant for the rs4711998 A>G, rs8193036 C>T and rs2275913 A>G polymorphisms of the IL17A gene. No association was found between any haplotypes of the polymorphisms investigated and the risk of developing PE. Conclusion: There is no association between the allele frequencies, genotype, inheritance models and haplotypes of the rs4711998 A>G, rs8193036 C>T and rs2275913 A>G polymorphisms of the IL17A gene and PE.

RESUMEN Introducción: La preeclampsia (PE) se define como hipertensión arterial asociada a proteinuria después de la semana 20 de gestación en mujeres anteriormente normotensas. La interleucina 17ª (IL17A) es un inductor potente de inflamación tisular y polimorfismos del gen IL17A pueden modular la expresión génica y afectar las funciones de las células Th17, aumentando la susceptibilidad a la PE. Objetivo: Investigar los polimorfismos rs4711998 A>G, rs8193036 C>T y rs2275913 A>G del gen IL17A en pacientes con PE. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio de casos y controles, compuesto por 263 mujeres: 89 diagnosticadas con PE y 174 del grupo de control. Se evaluaron los polimorfismos investigados a partir del ácido desoxirribonucleico (ADN) genómico aislado de la sangre periférica por reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR) en tiempo real para discriminación alélica. El riesgo de los polimorfismos del gen IL17A para la PE fue evaluado según el modelo de herencia empleando regresión logística. El poder estadístico presentó 99,5% para la detección de asociación. Resultados: Las frecuencias genotípicas, así como el análisis de regresión logística múltiple, no fueron estadísticamente significativas para los polimorfismos rs3761549 C>T, rs3761548 A>C y rs2232365 A>G del gen IL17A. Ningún haplotipo de los polimorfismos investigados mostró asociación con el riesgo de desarrollo de PE. Conclusión: No hay asociación entre las frecuencias alélicas y genotípicas, los modelos de herencia y los haplotipos de los polimorfismos rs4711998 A>G, rs8193036 C>T y rs2275913 A>G del gen IL17A y la PE.

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Chronic chagasic cardiopathy (CCC) is essentially a dilated cardiomyopathy in which a subacute, but constant chronic inflammatory process causes progressive destruction of the heart tissue. The action of proinflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interferon gamma (IFN-γ), and anti-inflammatory cytokines, like interleukin IL-10 and IL-17, plays a fundamental role in the immunopathogenesis and evolution of disease. Early anti-congestive therapy, aimed at changing the morbidity and mortality rate, has been shown to reduce disease progression and to alter patients’ immune response pattern. METHODS: This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the profile of Th1 and Th17 cytokines and IL-17, TNF-α, and IFN-γ expressions in different stages of CCC. Forty patients affected by chronic Chagas disease were divided into different groups according to the stage of the pathology. In agreement with the Brazilian consensus on Chagas disease, patients were classified as presenting an undetermined form, a cardiac form and a digestive form. Serum IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-10, and IL-17 were evaluated. RESULTS: Lower serum IFN-γ concentrations were detected in patients receiving angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (p = 0.0182), but not in those using angiotensin receptor blockers (p = 0.0783). Patients using amiodarone and aldosterone antagonist presented higher serum TNF-α concentrations (p = 0.0106 and 0.0187, respectively). IL-10 and IL-17 levels did not differ between the study groups (p = 0.7273 and p = 0.6697, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the cytokine profile and disease progression are altered by anti-congestive medications commonly prescribed for CCC.

RESUMO Objetivo Detectar Streptococcus mutans no colostro e na saliva de recém-nascido, e comparar com a detecção na saliva da mãe. Métodos Foram incluídos no estudo 43 mulheres saudáveis, com gestações a termo e sem complicações, que tiveram cesariana eletiva, e seus recém-nascidos. As amostras foram investigadas por reação de polimerase em cadeia para a detecção de S. mutans em material genético extraído das amostras. Resultados Cerca de 16% das amostras de colostro apresentaram S. mutans , não sem correlação com a presença das bactérias em ambas amostras de saliva. S. mutans foi detectado em 49 e 30% das amostras de saliva das mães e recém-nascidos, respectivamente. Houve correlação positiva na detecção de S. mutans entre os tipos de saliva. O número de amostras de saliva materna com S. mutans detectável foi menor nas mulheres que receberam tratamento odontológico durante a gravidez. A escovação três vezes ao dia influenciou na detecção do S. mutans tanto no saliva quanto no colostro. Conclusão Embora a saliva materna possa apresentar S. mutans , poucas amostras de colostro apresentam a bactéria. A presença de bactéria na saliva de neonatos pode estar relacionada ao contato antes do nascimento. O tratamento odontológico e os hábitos de higiene parecem influenciar na detecção de S. mutans em amostras de saliva e colostro maternos.

ABSTRACT Objective To detect Streptococcus mutans in colostrum and saliva of neonates and compare with its detection in saliva of mothers. Methods Forty-three healthy women, full-term gestations with no complications, submitted to elective Cesarean section, and their newborns were included in the study. Samples were investigated by polymerase chain reaction to detect S. mutans in genetic material from the samples. Results Approximately 16% of colostrum samples showed S. mutans , but not correlated with the presence of the bacteria in both samples of saliva. S. mutans was detected in 49 and 30% of saliva samples of mothers and neonates, respectively. There was a positive correlation in S. mutans detection between types of saliva. The number of maternal samples of saliva with detectable S. mutans was smaller in women receiving dental treatment during pregnancy. Tooth brushing, three times a day, influenced the detection of S. mutans in both the saliva and the colostrum. Conclusion Although maternal saliva may present S. mutans , few samples of colostrum present the bacteria. The presence of bacteria in neonate saliva may be related to contact before birth. Dental treatment and hygiene habits seem to influence the detection of S. mutans in samples of maternal saliva and colostrum.

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Panstrongylus herreri is a main Chagas disease vector, and its success as a vector stems from its ability to establish domiciliated colonies; we aimed to explore its biology and reproduction. METHODS: The average amount of blood ingested and the time from the beginning of a blood meal to the production of feces were recorded. RESULTS: Females exhibited a higher blood ingestion rate than males, but similar defecation times and frequencies were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the detected decrease in oviposition rates, P. herreri’s potential as a Chagas disease vector in environments other than the Amazon forest cannot be discounted.

OBJECTIVE: This study analyzed the frequency of cardiometabolic risk markers and metabolic syndrome occurrence in overweight and obese children and adolescents. METHODS: The participants included 161 overweight (n=65) and obese (n=96) individuals aged between 5 and 19 years. Clinical markers were assessed (body mass index, body fat percentage, waist circumference, acanthosis, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, laboratory parameters [glucose, insulin, cholesterol (total and fractions) and triglyceride levels and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index] and leptin and adiponectin levels). The frequency of changes, odds ratios and correlations among markers were determined. Metabolic syndrome was assessed according to International Diabetes Federation criteria. RESULTS: A high frequency of acanthosis (51.6%); increased waist circumference (45.4%), systolic blood pressure / diastolic blood pressure (8.1% / 9.3%), glucose (10%), insulin (36.9%) and HOMA-IR (44.3%) values; and reduced high-density lipoprotein levels (47.2%) were observed. Leptin levels were increased in 95% of obese and in 66% of overweight subjects. Adiponectin was decreased in 29.5% of obese and in 34% of overweight subjects. An odd ratio analysis revealed a greater probability of increased waist circumference (9.0), systolic blood pressure (4.1), triglyceride (2.3) and insulin (2.9) levels and HOMA-IR (3.0) in the obese group than in the overweight group. The clinical and laboratory parameters and leptin levels exhibited significant correlations, whereas adiponectin was negatively correlated with systolic blood pressure. The occurrence rate of metabolic syndrome was 13.6%. CONCLUSIONS: The high frequency of changes in clinical, laboratory and adipokine markers indicates the need for early interventions aimed at preventing cardiometabolic complications in adulthood.

RESUMO Racional: O trauma cirúrgico induz resposta de estresse pós-operatório significativo, evidenciado pelos níveis elevados de citocinas, podendo favorecer o surgimento de distúrbios imunológicos. A magnitude de estresse está relacionada ao grau do trauma cirúrgico. Objetivos: Avaliar a expressão das citocinas pró-inflamatórias (TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-17) e da anti-inflamatória (IL-4) no pré e pós-operatório de pacientes submetidas à colecistectomia laparoscópica por dois métodos: convencional e por portal único. Métodos: Quarenta mulheres com colecistolitíase sintomática foram operadas, sendo 21 por procedimento laparoscópico convencional e 19 por portal único. As citocinas TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-4, e IL-17 presentes no plasma foram quantificadas pelo método de ELISA em dois momentos: no pré-operatório e após 24 h da operação. Resultados: A avaliação da resposta imune não mostrou diferença estatisticamente significante das citocinas IFN-γ e IL-1β na comparação entre os grupos e tempos analisados. Em relação às citocinas TNF-α e IL-4 os níveis séricos estavam abaixo dos níveis de detecção (10 pg/ml) em ambos os grupos e tempos analisados. Observou-se que as operadas por portal único apresentaram expressão significativa da IL-17A do período pré para o pós-operatório (p=0,0094). Conclusões: A expressão aumentada da IL-17A no pós-operatório do grupo de portal único pode indicar que o estresse cirúrgico foi maior em comparação ao da colecistectomia laparoscópica convencional.

ABSTRACT Background: Surgical trauma triggers an important postoperative stress response characterized by significantly elevated levels of cytokines, an event that can favor the emergence of immune disorders which lead to disturbances in the patient's body defense. The magnitude of postoperative stress is related to the degree of surgical trauma. Aim: To evaluate the expression of pro-inflammatory (TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-1β, and IL-17) and anti-inflammatory (IL-4) cytokines in patients submitted to conventional and single-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy before and 24 h after surgery. Methods: Forty women with symptomatic cholelithiasis, ranging in age from 18 to 70 years, participated in the study. The patients were divided into two groups: 21 submitted to conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy and 19 to single-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Results: Evaluation of the immune response showed no significant difference in IFN-γ and IL-1β levels between the groups or time points analyzed. With respect to TNF-α and IL-4, serum levels below the detection limit (10 pg/ml) were observed in the two groups and at the time points analyzed. Significantly higher postoperative expression of IL-17A was detected in patients submitted to single-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy when compared to preoperative levels (p=0.0094). Conclusions: Significant postoperative expression of IL-17 was observed in the group submitted to single-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy when compared to preoperative levels, indicating that surgical stress in this group was higher compared to the conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Racional: Mecanismos imunológicos e inflamatórios desempenham papel-chave no desenvolvimento e progressão do diabete melito tipo 2. Objetivo: Levantar a hipótese de que alterações nos parâmetros imunológicos ocorrem após operação duodenojejunal combinada com interposição ileal sem gastrectomia, e influenciam o metabolismo da insulina das células beta. Métodos: Dezessete pacientes com diabete melito tipo 2 sob manejo clínico foram submetidos à cirurgia e amostras de sangue foram coletadas antes e seis meses após para avaliação do perfil de sorológico de citocinas pró-inflamatórias (IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-17A) e anti-inflamatórias(IL-4, IL-10). Além disso, parâmetros antropométricos, glicemia e uso de insulina foram avaliados em cada paciente. Resultados: Não ocorreram alterações no padrão de expressão de citocinas pró-inflamatórias observadas antes e depois da operação. Em contraste, houve diminuição significativa na expressão de IL-10, que coincide com redução da dose diária de insulina, com o controle glicêmico e redução do IMC dos pacientes. Apresentação precoce de alimentos para o íleo pode ter induzido a produção das incretinas tais como GLP-1 e PYY, que, juntamente com o controle da glicemia, contribuíram para a perda de peso, remissão do diabete e o bom prognóstico consequente cirúrgico. Além disso, o controle de síndrome metabólica foi responsável pela redução da expressão de IL-10 nestes doentes. Conclusão: Baixo grau de inflamação estava presente nesses pacientes no pós-operatório, certamente pelo adequado controle glicêmico e ausência de obesidade, o que contribuiu para bom resultado cirúrgico.

Background: Immunological and inflammatory mechanisms play a key role in the development and progression of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Aim: To raise the hypothesis that alterations in immunological parameters occur after duodenojejunal bypass surgery combined with ileal interposition without gastrectomy, and influences the insulin metabolism of betacells. Methods: Seventeen patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus under clinical management were submitted to surgery and blood samples were collected before and six months after surgery for evaluation of the serum profile of proinflammatory (IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-17A) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-10). In addition, anthropometric measures, glucose levels and insulin use were evaluated in each patient. Results: No changes in the expression pattern of proinflammatory cytokines were observed before and after surgery. In contrast, there was a significant decrease in IL-10 expression, which coincided with a reduction in the daily insulin dose, glycemic index, and BMI of the patients. Early presentation of food to the ileum may have induced the production of incretins such as GLP-1 and PYY which, together with glycemic control, contributed to weight loss, diabetes remission and the consequent good surgical prognosis of these patients. In addition, the control of metabolic syndrome was responsible for the reduction of IL-10 expression in these patients. Conclusion: These findings suggest the presence of low-grade inflammation in these patients during the postoperative period, certainly as a result of adequate glycemic control and absence of obesity, contributing to a good outcome of surgery.