Resumo A produção de ceramida ocorre em todo o corpo e desempenha um papel importante na manutenção da fisiologia normal. No entanto, os níveis de ceramidas são alterados em estados de doença, principalmente durante o desenvolvimento de diabetes e dislipidemia. A produção de ceramidas também está associada à instabilidade das placas ateroscleróticas. Estudos recentes revelam que pacientes com doença arterial coronariana instável apresentam níveis plasmáticos aumentados de ceramidas (principalmente C16, C18 e C24:1). Atualmente, são consideradas biomarcadores emergentes nas doenças cardiovasculares, sendo utilizadas na predição de instabilidade da placa aterosclerótica e eventos cardiovasculares adversos de forma independente aos fatores de risco tradicionais. Com o objetivo de descrever e discutir o papel das ceramidas na estratificação das doenças cardiovasculares, o desenvolvimento desta revisão narrativa contextualiza a importância desse biomarcador no cenário atual da cardiologia.

Abstract Ceramide production takes place throughout the body and plays a key role in the maintenance of normal physiology. However, ceramide levels are altered during disease states, particularly considering the development of diabetes and dyslipidemia. Ceramide production is also associated with atherosclerotic plaque instability. Recent studies revealed that patients with unstable coronary artery disease (CAD) presented increased plasma ceramide levels (especially C16, C18, and C24:1). These molecules are currently considered emerging biomarkers of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), being used for predicting atherosclerotic plaque instability and adverse cardiovascular events independently from traditional risk factors. With the aim of describing and discussing the role of ceramides in the stratification of cardiovascular diseases, this narrative review contextualizes the importance of this biomarker in the present cardiology scenario.

ABSTRACT Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of the onabotulinum toxin type A in the treatment of HTLV-1 associated overactive bladder and its impact on quality of life (QoL). Methods: Case series with 10 patients with overactive bladder refractory to conservative treatment with anticholinergic or physical therapy. They received 200Ui of onabotulinumtoxin type A intravesically and were evaluated by overactive bladder symptoms score (OABSS) and King's Health Questionnaire. Results: The mean (SD) of the age was 52 + 14.5 years and 60% were female. All of them had confirmed detrusor overactivity on urodynamic study. Seven patients had HAM/TSP. The median and range of the OABSS was 13 (12–15) before therapy and decreased to 1.0 (0–12) on day 30 and to 03 (0–14) on day 90 (p < 0.0001). There was a significant improvement in 8 of the 9 domains of the King's Health Questionnaire after the intervention. Hematuria, urinary retention and urinary infection were the complications observed in 3 out of 10 patients. The mean time to request retreatment was 465 days. Conclusion: Onabotulinum toxin type A intravesically reduced the OABSS with last long effect and improved the quality of life of HTLV-1 infected patients with severe overactive bladder.

RESUMO Objetivo: Validar a quantificação de T-cell receptor excision circles (TRECs) e kappa-deleting recombination circles (KRECs) por reação em cadeia de polimerase (polymerase chain reaction, PCR) em tempo real (qRT-PCR), para triagem neonatal de imunodeficiências primárias que cursam com defeitos nas células T e/ou B no Brasil. Métodos: Amostras de sangue de recém-nascidos (RN) e controles foram coletadas em papel-filtro. O DNA foi extraído e os TRECs e KRECs foram quantificados por reação duplex de qRT-PCR. O valor de corte foi determinado pela análise de Receiver Operating Characteristics Curve, utilizando-se o programa Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SSPS) (IBM®, Armonk, NY, EUA). Resultados: 6.881 amostras de RN foram analisadas quanto à concentração de TRECs e KRECs. Os valores de TRECs variaram entre 1 e 1.006 TRECs/µL, com média e mediana de 160 e 139 TRECs/µL, respectivamente. Três amostras de pacientes diagnosticados com imunodeficiência grave combinada (severe combined immunodeficiency, SCID) apresentaram valores de TRECs abaixo de 4/µL e um paciente com Síndrome de DiGeorge apresentou TRECs indetectáveis. Os valores de KRECs encontraram-se entre 10 e 1.097 KRECs/µL, com média e mediana de 130 e 108 KRECs/µL, e quatro pacientes com diagnóstico de agamaglobulinemia tiveram resultados abaixo de 4 KRECs/µL. Os valores de corte encontrados foram 15 TRECs/µL e 14 KRECs/µL, e foram estabelecidos de acordo com a análise da Receiver Operating Characteristics Curve, com sensibilidade de 100% para detecção de SCID e agamaglobulinemia, respectivamente. Conclusões: A quantificação de TRECs e KRECs foi capaz de diagnosticar crianças com linfopenias T e/ou B em nosso estudo, validando a técnica e dando o primeiro passo para a implementação da triagem neonatal em grande escala no Brasil.

ABSTRACT Objective: To validate the quantification of T-cell receptor excision circles (TRECs) and kappa-deleting recombination excision circles (KRECs) by real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) for newborn screening of primary immunodeficiencies with defects in T and/or B cells in Brazil. Methods: Blood samples from newborns and controls were collected on filter paper. DNA was extracted and TRECs, and KRECs were quantified by a duplex real-time PCR. The cutoff values were determined by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis using SPSS software (IBM®, Armonk, NY, USA). Results: Around 6,881 samples from newborns were collected and TRECs and KRECs were quantified. The TRECs values ranged between 1 and 1,006 TRECs/µL, with mean and median of 160 and 139 TRECs/µL, respectively. Three samples from patients with severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) showed TRECs below 4/µL and a patient with DiGeorge syndrome showed undetectable TRECs. KRECs values ranged from 10 to 1,097 KRECs/µL, with mean and median of 130 and 108 KRECs/µL. Four patients with agammaglobulinemia had results below 4 KRECs/µL. The cutoff values were 15 TRECs/µL and 14 KRECs/µL and were established according to the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, with 100% sensitivity for SCID and agammaglobulinemia detection, respectively. Conclusions: Quantification of TRECs and KRECs was able to diagnose children with T- and/or B-cell lymphopenia in our study, which validated the technique in Brazil and enabled us to implement the newborn screening program for SCID and agammaglobulinemia.

Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o potencial antioxidante, o teor de compostos fenólicos e de carotenoides de polpa de araticum in natura e pasteurizada, e avaliar o efeito da pasteurização nas suas características físico-químicas. A polpa de araticum in natura foi adquirida em Aragarças/GO e dividida em dois lotes: polpa in natura e polpa pasteurizada. As polpas foram analisadas em triplicata, em relação às variáveis: pH, acidez titulável (AT), vitamina C, sólidos solúveis (SS), relação entre SS/AT, atividade de água, cor, atividade antioxidante radicalar, compostos fenólicos e carotenoides, além da composição centesimal da polpa pasteurizada. A polpa in natura apresentou 0,98 de atividade de água e 9,57 °Brix de sólidos solúveis, e a polpa pasteurizada apresentou valores de 0,99 e 9,23 °Brix para atividade de água e sólidos solúveis, respectivamente. Os resultados mostraram que as polpas apresentaram relevantes propriedades antioxidantes, expressas na capacidade de reduzir em 50% o radical DPPH (IC50 mg/mL). Com relação aos compostos fenólicos, ambas apresentaram valores próximos de 227,13 e 207,18 mg GAE/100 g ‒ para polpa in natura e pasteurizada, respectivamente. A polpa pasteurizada apresentou 8,21 µg/g de β caroteno e 4,97 µg/g de α caroteno. Conclui-se que as polpas analisadas apresentam um elevado conteúdo de compostos bioativos e que o processo de pasteurização não interferiu nas características físico-químicas nem nos compostos bioativos analisados da polpa in natura.

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant potential and the phenolic compound and carotenoid contents of in natura and pasteurized araticum pulp, and evaluate the effect of pasteurization on the physicochemical characteristics. The in natura araticum pulp was acquired in Aragarças/GO, Brazil and divided into two portions: in natura and pasteurized pulp. The pulps were analysed in triplicate in relation to the variables: pH, titratable acidity, vitamin C, soluble solids, water activity, colour, radical antioxidant activity, phenolic and carotenoid compounds, as well as the proximate composition of the pasteurized pulp. The in natura pulp presented 0.98 of water activity and 9.57 °Brix of soluble solids, however the pasteurized pulp showed values of 0.99 and 9.23 °Brix for water activity and soluble solids, respectively. The results showed that the pulp had significant antioxidant properties, expressed as the ability to reduce the DPPH value by 50% (IC50 mg/ml). With respect to the phenolic compounds, both presented similar values of 227.13 and 207.18 mg GAE/100 g of in natura and pasteurized pulps, respectively. The pasteurized pulp presented 8.21 µg/g of β-carotene and 4.97 µg/g of α-carotene. It was concluded that the pulps analysed presented high contents of bioactive compounds and that pasteurization did not affect the physicochemical characteristics or bioactive compounds of the in natura pulp.

Objective To investigate the relationship between urinary symptoms and quality of life of patients infected with HTLV-1. Materials and Methods This is a cross-sectional study that enrolled individuals with HTLV-1 positive serology from February 2010 to March 2011. Participants were HTLV-1 infected subjects followed in the HTLV-1 clinic of the University Hospital in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. Patients with HTLV-1 associated myelopathy / tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP), who had evidence of other neurological diseases, diabetes mellitus or were pregnant were excluded from the study. The questionnaire SF-36 was used to evaluate quality of life and the questionnaire OAB-V8 was used to evaluate urinary symptoms. Results From the 118 individuals evaluated, 50 (42.4%) complained of urinary symptoms and 68 (57.6%) did not. Most participants were females. There was no difference between the groups regarding demographic variables. The group with symptoms showed significantly lower scores in all domains of the SF-36 questionnaire. The domains with greatest differences were vitality and general health state. Conclusions Urinary symptoms negatively influence the quality of life of individuals infected with HTLV-1.

Objetivo. Este experimento se realizó para evaluar el mejor nivel de inclusión de harina de cacahuete en el ensilado de hierba massai a través de la composición química-bromatológica, las características fermentativas, la tasa de valor forrajero, las estimaciones de la ingestión y la digestibilidad de la materia seca. Materiales y métodos. El experimento se llevó a cabo en la Granja Experimental de São Gonçalo dos Campos, en la Universidad Federal de Bahía. Los tratamientos fueron hierba massai cortada a 40 días, deshidratada, además de un 8%, 16% y 24% de harina de maní en la materia fresca, además de tratamiento sin harina de cacahuete. El material se comprimió en silos experimentales que se abrieron después de 76 días. Resultados. La adición de harina de cacahuete 24% mejor que el ensilaje de productos químicos bromatológicos parámetros, el aumento de la materia seca y carbohidratos sin fibra, y la reducción de los componentes fibrosos. Hubo un aumento lineal de los valores estimados de la digestibilidad y la ingestión de materia seca en función de los niveles de harina de cacahuete en el ensilaje. Se observó una mejoría en las características fermentativas, con un efecto de segundo grado para los niveles de nitrógeno amoniacal. La tasa de valor forrajero aumentó linealmente con la inclusión de harina de cacahuete. Conclusiones. La inclusión de hasta un 24% de harina de cacahuete durante el ensilaje de pasto massai aumenta el valor nutritivo del ensilaje y mejora las características de la fermentación.

Objective. This experiment was conducted to evaluate the best concentration of peanut cake in the ensiling of massai grass of the chemical-bromatological composition, fermentative characteristics, forage value rate, ingestion estimates, and digestibility of dry matter in the silage. Materials and methods. The experiment was carried out at the Experimental Farm of São Gonçalo dos Campos at the Federal University of Bahia, Brazil. The treatments consisted of massai grass that was cut at 40 days and dehydrated, in addition to 0%, 8%, 16%, and 24% peanut cake in the fresh matter and treatment without cake. The material was compressed in experimental silos (7 liter) that were opened after 76 days. Results. The addition of 8-24% peanut cake improved the silage's chemical-bromatological parameters, increased the dry matter and non-fiber carbohydrates and reduced the fibrous components. There was a linear increase in the estimated values of digestibility and the ingestion of dry matter depending on the levels of peanut cake in the silage. There was an improvement in the fermentative characteristics, with a quadratic effect positive for levels of ammoniacal nitrogen. The forage value rate increased linearly with the inclusion of peanut cake. Conclusions. The inclusion of up to 24% peanut cake during ensiling of massai grass increases the nutritive value of silage and improves fermentation characteristics.

OBJETIVO: Relatar caso ilustrativo de doença granulomatosa crônica cujo diagnóstico ocorreu durante o aparecimento do primeiro episódio infeccioso, colaborando com a iniciativa do Brazilian Group for Immunodeficiency para a sensibilização do pediatra geral em relação ao diagnóstico precoce das imunodeficiências primárias, o que está associado a melhor qualidade de vida e maior sobrevida desses indivíduos. DESCRIÇÃO DE CASO: Paciente do sexo masculino, 39 dias de vida, admitido em pronto-socorro pediátrico por febre alta há cinco dias e irritabilidade. No dia seguinte, observou-se abscesso cervical, isolando-se Staphylococcus aureus comunitário. Durante a internação, ocorreram outros abscessos superficiais e em cadeias ganglionares profundas, além de resposta lenta aos antimicrobianos. Solicitou-se investigação para imunodeficiências, que confirmou a hipótese de doença granulomatosa crônica por quantificação dos ânions superóxido e teste de redução do nitrobluetetrazolio. Paciente foi encaminhado a serviço especializado, no qual identificou-se doador de medula óssea compatível, realizando-se o transplante seis meses após o diagnóstico. Quatro meses após o transplante, ocorreu normalização do burst oxidativo, indicando sucesso. COMENTÁRIOS: O paciente mostrou apresentação típica da doença, o que permitiu seu diagnóstico por pediatras gerais já na primeira infecção, tendo como consequência o acompanhamento por especialistas em imunodeficiências primárias, a introdução da profilaxia antimicrobiana e a procura bem sucedida de doador de medula HLA-compatível.

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of chronic granulomatous disease diagnosed during the first infectious episode in order to collaborate with the Brazilian Group for Immunodeficiency, in sensitizing the general pediatrician that the early diagnosis of primary immunodeficiency results in better quality of life and longer life expectancy for the patients. CASE DESCRIPTION: Male patient, 39 days, admitted to the pediatric emergency ward with fever for the last five days and irritability. On the following day, a cervical abscess was noted and a community Staphylococcus aureus was isolated. During hospital stay, other abscesses were observed in the skin and in the deep ganglia chains, with a slow response to antibiotics. Investigation of immunodeficiency was requested and chronic granulomatous disease was confirmed by quantification of superoxide anions and nitrobluetetrazolium tests. The patient was transferred to a specialized clinic for bone marrow transplantation, performed six months after diagnosis. Four months afterwards, the normalization of oxidative burst was noted, indecating the success of the transplantation. COMMENTS: The patient showed a typical presentation of the disease, which allowed its diagnosis by general pediatricians on the first infection, allowing the follow-up by experts in primary immunodeficiencies, the introduction of antimicrobial chemoprophylaxis, and the successful search for an HLA-compatible bone marrow donor.

A leishmaniose tem sido documentada em diversos países, sendo estimada uma prevalência mundial de 12 milhões, com 400.000 casos novos de doença por ano. A leishmaniose tegumentar americana encontra-se situada entre as grandes endemias existentes no Brasil e na América Latina. OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo é complementar o conhecimento sobre leishmaniose mucosa, apresentando a experiência dos Serviços de Imunologia e de Otorrinolaringologia do Hospital Universitário Professor Edgar Santos da Universidade Federal da Bahia. COMENTÁRIOS: A leishmaniose cutânea é a forma mais comum de leishmaniose tegumentar americana, contudo, concomitantemente ou após anos de doença cutânea podem ocorrer lesões mucosas. A leishmaniose mucosa é causada principalmente pela L. braziliensis braziliensis e, apesar de a mucosa nasal ser a área principalmente acometida, lesões podem também ser documentadas nos lábios, boca, na faringe e na laringe. Fatores do parasito, bem como da resposta imune do hospedeiro podem estar envolvidos na patogênese da lesão tissular na leishmaniose mucosa.

Leishmaniasis has been documented in several countries, with an estimated prevalence of 12 million people and an incidence at around 400,000 new cases per year. Leishmaniasis in the New World is one the major endemic diseases in Brazil and Latin America. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to add to the current knowdlegde on mucosal leishmaniasis, bringing the experience of the Imunology and Otolaryngology Departments in the Professor Edgar Santos University Hospital of the Federal University of Bahia. CONCLUSION: Cutaneous leishmaniasis is the most common form of New World Leishmaniasis; mucosal legions may occur simultaneously or after years of disease. Mucosal leishmaniasis is caused mainly by L. braziliensis braziliensis; although the nasal mucosa is the most affected area, lesions may be found on the lips, mouth, pharynx and larynx. In addition to parasite-related factors, the host immune response may be involved in the pathogenicity of lesions in mucosal leishmaniasis.

OBJECTIVE:To describe urodynamic abnormalities in HTLV-1 infected individuals presenting urinary symptoms and verify if these findings and quality of life (QOL) evaluation correlate with overall neurological impairment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January/2001 to May/2004, 324 HTLV-1 seropositive subjects were evaluated to determine the occurrence of urinary symptoms. Urodynamic testing was performed in those who complained of frequency, urgency, or incontinence. They went through a complete clinical, neurological, and urological examination to investigate symptoms and signs of myelopathy. Neurological disability was assessed by Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). RESULTS: From the 324 patients evaluated, 78 underwent the urodynamic testing. Fifty-seven individuals were females (73.1%) and age ranged from 23 to 76 years (mean = 48.7 years; SD ± 11.6). Urodynamic testing was abnormal in 63 patients (80.8%). The major abnormality was detrusor overactivity (DO), observed in 33 individuals (33/63; 52.4%), followed by detrusor-external sphincter dyssynergia (DESD), diagnosed in 15 subjects (15/63; 25.4%). HAM/TSP patients had significantly more DESD than the HTLV-I carriers (p = 0.005; OR = 5.5; CI: 1.6 to 19.4). QOL was severely compromised in HAM/TSP patients. CONCLUSIONS: Prominent urodynamic abnormalities were identified in individuals genuinely considered as HTLV-I carriers, suggesting an early compromise of the urinary tract; whereas HAM/TSP patients presented urodynamic findings, which posed a potential risk to the upper urinary tract (dyssynergia). Urodynamic evaluation should be performed in all HTLV-I-infected individuals with voiding complaints.

O HTLV-1 é considerado um vírus de baixa morbidade sendo a mielopatia associada ao HTLV-1 (HAM/TSP) e a leucemia / linfoma de células T do adulto (ATL) as principais doenças associadas à infecção viral, observados em menos de 5% dos indivíduos infectados. Manifestações urinárias são freqüentes em pacientes com mielopatia, e representadas principalmente por noctúria, polaciúria, urgência e incontinência urinária, embora a importância destas alterações, e a correlação com a patologia medular não tem sido devidamente estudada. Nesta revisão enfatizamos a elevada freqüência de queixas urinárias e sexuais em pacientes, não apenas os portadores de mielopatias, mas também em indivíduos considerados como portadores assintomáticos do HTLV-I. Hiperatividade detrusora e dissinergia vesico-esfincteriana são as manifestações urodinâmicas mais freqüentes. A documentação de queixas urinárias e os achados urodinâmicos observados em indivíduos considerados portadores assintomáticos são semelhantes aos detectados em pacientes com mielopatia dão suporte à hipótese que alterações urinárias possam representar uma forma oligossintomática da HAM/TSP. Disfunção eréctil é freqüentemente observada em pacientes infectados pelo HTLV-1, com ou sem mielopatia. Infecção do trato urinário também tem elevada prevalência nestes pacientes. A despeito da ausência de um tratamento efetivo da mielopatia, o uso de anticolinérgicos e de inibidores da fosfodiesterase tipo 5 podem melhorar as queixas urinárias e a disfunção eréctil destes pacientes.

HTLV-I is considered to be a virus of low morbidity, since the principal diseases associated with this viral infection, HTLV-I-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) and adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL), are observed in less than 5% of infected individuals. Urinary symptoms are frequent in patients with myelopathy and consist principally of nocturia, frequency, urgency, and urinary incontinence; however, the importance of these dysfunctions and their correlation with myelopathy is still to be fully clarified. This review gives particular emphasis to the high frequency of urinary and sexual complaints not only in patients with myelopathy but also in individuals considered to be HTLV-I carriers. Detrusor overactivity and bladder-sphincter dyssynergia are the most common urodynamic findings. The fact that urinary complaints and urodynamic parameters reported in individuals considered to be carriers are similar to those detected in patients with myelopathy supports the hypothesis that urinary disorders may represent an oligosymptomatic form of HAM/TSP. Erectile dysfunction is frequently observed in HTLV-I-infected patients with or without myelopathy. Urinary tract infections are also highly prevalent in these patients. Despite the lack of an effective treatment for myelopathy, the use of anticholinergic drugs and phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors may improve urinary complaints and erectile dysfunction in these patients.

OBJETIVO: Identificar marcadores clínicos e imunológicos associados com a mielopatia associada ao HTLV-I/paraparesia espástica tropical (MAH/PET). MÉTODO: 237 indivíduos infectados pelo HTLV-I foram clinicamente avaliados. Eles foram classificados de acordo com a escala expandida do estado de incapacidade de Kurtzke (EDSS) e escala de incapacidade motora de Osame (OMDS). Níveis de citocinas foram determinados nos indivíduos. RESULTADOS: 37 pacientes tinham MAH/PET. Houve correlação entre os graus de incapacidade pelas escalas. Houve também correlação entre a duração da MAH/PET e o grau da incapacidade pelas escalas. Níveis elevados de IFN-gama foram detectados em células mononucleares de sangue periférico (CMSP) não estimuladas de pacientes com MAH/PET quando comparados com indivíduos HTLV-I positivos assintomáticos. CONCLUSÃO: Os dados demonstram a validade das escalas neurológicas para classificar o grau de incapacidade neurológica em portadores do HTLV-I e sugerem o comportamento progressivo da MAH/PET. Este estudo também demonstra que os níveis de IFN-gama em sobrenadante de CMSP são marcadores da MAH/PET.

OBJECTIVE: To identify clinical and immunological markers associated with HTLV-I associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP). METHOD: 237 HTLV-I infected individuals were clinically assessed. They were classified according to the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and Osame’s Motor Disability Score (OMDS). Cytokine levels were determined in HTLV-I seropositive individuals. RESULTS: 37 patients had HAM/TSP. There was a correlation between the degrees of disability assessed by both scales. There was also a correlation between the duration of HAM/TSP and the severity of disability assessed by either EDSS or OMDS. Higher levels of IFN-gamma were detected in unstimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from HAM/TSP patients as compared with HTLV-I carriers. CONCLUSION: This study shows the validity of the neurological scales to classify the degree of neurological disability in HTLV-I carriers and suggests a progressive behavior of HAM/TSP. This study also shows that IFN-gamma in PBMC supernatants are markers of HAM/TSP.

OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a associação do anticorpo antipeptídeo citrulinado cíclico (anti-CCP) com distintos parâmetros clínicos, sorológicos e radiológicos. MÉTODOS: Anti-CCP e fator reumatóide (FR) foram pesquisados no soro de 100 pacientes com artrite reumatóide (AR). A atividade da doença foi definida por meio de um índice combinado compreendendo cinco parâmetros: número de juntas inflamadas, número de juntas doloridas, rigidez matinal, escala visual analógica (EVA) de dor e velocidade de hemossedimentação (VHS). A capacidade funcional foi medida pelo índice HAQ (Health Assessment Questionnaire) e a classe funcional foi determinada mediante aplicação dos critérios revisados do American College of Rheumatology (ACR), de 1991. Erosão e pinçamento articular foram graduados pelo índice de Sharp modificado. A análise estatística empregou os testes do Qui-quadrado, Mann Whitney e Kruskal-Wallis. RESULTADOS: Nenhum dos dois anticorpos demonstrou associação significativa com atividade da doença, sexo, idade de início da doença, presença de nódulos subcutâneos e síndrome de Sjögren. A média de idade foi significativamente menor nos pacientes com AR anti-CCP positivos. A positividade para o FR e anti-CCP foi maior nos pacientes com AR com menos de 50 anos em comparação com os pacientes com mais de 50 anos. A AR de início recente (< 2 anos) não se associou a uma maior prevalência de soropositividade para o anti-CCP e FR. O anti-CCP apresentou uma correlação positiva moderada com o FR. Houve uma correlação direta entre o anti-CCP e a VHS e a proteína C reativa (PCR). Houve também uma correlação direta entre o FR, a VHS e a PCR. A classificação funcional dos critérios revisados do ACR de 1991 não se associou a qualquer dos dois auto-anticorpos. O índice de HAQ não se correlacionou com a atividade da doença, duração da doença, positividade do FR e atividade medida pela PCR, mas associou-se nitidamente à positividade do anti-CCP e à atividade medida pelo VHS. Os índices de Sharp para erosão e pinçamento se associaram à positividade do anti-CCP. Tal associação não foi evidenciada com a positividade do FR. CONCLUSÃO: Embora o anti-CCP apresente boas propriedades diagnósticas, ele não apresenta associação com a atividade da doença, sexo, idade de início da doença, tempo de evolução de doença, presença de nódulos subcutâneos, síndrome de Sjögren ou classificação funcional do ACR de 1991. Houve associação da positividade do anti-CCP com a menor idade dos pacientes, fator reumatóide, VHS, PCR, índice de HAQ e índices de Sharp para erosão e pinçamento.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the association of Anti-Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide Antibody (anti-CCP) with distinct clinic, serological and radiological parameters. METHODS: anti-CCP and rheumatoid factor (RF) were determined in the serum of 100 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Disease activity was defined by means of a combined index with five parameters: number of swollen joints, number of painful joints, morning stiffness, pain visual analogue scale (VAS), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Functional capacity was measured by (Health Assessment Questionnaire) HAQ index and the functional class was ascribed according to American College of Rheumatology criteria (1991). Articular erosion and narrowing were estimated by the modified Sharp's index. Statistical analysis was performed by chi-square, Mann-Whitney, and Kruskal-Wallis tests. A value of less 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: None of the two antibodies showed association with disease flare, gender, age in the time of diagnosis, secondary Sjögren's syndrome or subcutaneous nodules. The mean age was significantly lower in RA patients with positive anti-CCP. The RF and anti-CCP positivity was higher in RA patients below 50 years old than patients above 50 years old. The early RA, up to 2 years of evolution, was not associated with a higher prevalence of anti-CCP and RF reactivity. Anti-CCP showed direct moderate correlation to RF and also direct correlation to ESR and CRP. FR reactivity showed direct correlation to ESR and CRP. Functional class showed no association with neither autoantibodies. HAQ index showed correlation with anti-CCP-positive patients and activity assessed by ESR, but did not show association with disease activity, disease duration, presence of the RF and activity assessed by ESR. Sharp's erosion and narrowing index showed association to presence of anti-CCP, but not with RF positive patients. CONCLUSIONS: Although anti-CCP displays good diagnosis properties for RA, it appears not to be associated with activity disease, gender, age at the disease beginning, disease evolution, presence of the secondary Sjögren's syndrome and subcutaneous nodules or functional class. Anti-CCP reactivity showed association with early patients, RF positivity, ESR, CRP, HAQ index or Sharp'erosion and narrowing index.

INTRODUÇÃO: a artrite reumatóide (AR) é considerada uma das doenças auto-imunes mais freqüentes, mas um teste viável e específico para seu diagnóstico não está disponível. OBJETIVOS: avaliar a eficiência diagnóstica de um novo teste comercial realizado pela técnica de ELISA (Immunoscan RA; EuroDiagnostica), que detecta o anticorpo antipeptídeo citrulinado cíclico (anti-CCP), para o diagnóstico da AR. MÉTODOS: anticorpo anti-CCP e fator reumatóide (FR) foram pesquisados no soro de 486 pacientes: 100 pacientes com AR e 386 controles, incluindo indivíduos normais, pacientes com outras doenças reumáticas e não-reumáticas, bem como pacientes com doenças infecciosas. Avaliação comparativa do desempenho diagnóstico dos testes foi feita mediante cálculo dos diversos índices diagnósticos e da curva ROC (receiver operator characteristic). A análise estatística foi feita utilizando os testes do qui-quadrado, exato de Fisher e Mann-Whitney. RESULTADOS: ao ponto de corte de 25 UI/ml, o anti-CCP apresentou sensibilidade de 68% (IC 95%, 57,8-76,8%), especificidade de 97,7% (IC 95%, 95,5-98,8%), valor preditivo positivo (VPP) de 88,3% (IC 95%, 78,5-94,2%), valor preditivo negativo (VPN) de 92,2% (IC 95%, 89-94,5%) e razão de verossimilhança (RV) de 29,2% (IC 95%, 15,1-56,4%). Os pacientes com AR anti-CCP positivos apresentavam titulação média igual a 920,7 UI/ml (variação, 70,5- 2000 UI/ml). Pacientes não-reumatóides anti-CCP positivos apresentavam titulação média de 38,7 UI/ml (variação, 29,5-47,4 UI/ml). O desempenho do anti-CCP, avaliado através da curva ROC, foi superior ao do FR. O FR apresentou uma sensibilidade maior (91%) e uma especificidade menor (78,8%) do que o anti-CCP. Quando os dois anticorpos foram usados em conjunto, a especificidade foi de 99,5%. CONCLUSÃO: o anti-CCP foi o teste de melhor desempenho diagnóstico para a AR e o mais específico. Pode ser útil quando realizado concomitantemente com o FR nas situações de difícil diagnóstico.

INTRODUCTION: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of the most common autoimmune rheumatic diseases, but a specific and reproducible test for its diagnosis is still lacking. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the diagnostic efficiency of a new commercial ELISA kit in detecting anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies (anti-CCP) for the diagnosis of RA. METHODS: Anti-CCP antibodies and rheumatoid factor (RF) were determined in the serum of 486 patients: 100 patients with RA and 386 controls, including healthy subjects, patients with other non-rheumatic and rheumatic disease, as well as patients with infections disease. Comparative evaluation of diagnostic performance of anti-CCP and RF was done by calculation the several diagnostic indexes and construction of the ROC (receiver operator characteristic) curve. Statistical analysis included chi-square, Fisher exact, and Mann-Whitney's test. RESULTS: At cutoff of 25 UI/ml, anti-CCP showed sensitivity of 68% (95% CI, 57,8-76,8%), specificity of 97,7% (95% CI, 95,5-98,8%), positive predictive value (VPP) of 88,3% (95% CI, 78,5-94,2%), negative predictive value (VPN) of 92,2% (95% CI, 89-94,5%) and likelihood ratios (LR) of 29,2% (95% CI, 15,1-56,4%). Anti-CCP-positive RA patients had a mean antibody concentration of 920,7 UI/ml (range, 70,5-2000 UI/ml). Anti-CCP-positive non-RA patients had a mean antibody concentration of 38,7 UI/ml (range, 29,5-47, 4 UI/ml). The diagnostic performance of anti-CCP, as estimated by the ROC curve, was superior to that of RF. RF had a higher sensitivity (91%) and a lower specificity (78,8%) than anti-CCP. When the two antibodies were used together, specificity was 99,5%. CONCLUSION: The anti-CCP testing presented the best diagnostic performance for RA and was the most specific test. It may be useful if performance concomitantly with RF in the diagnostic difficulty.

Human T cell lymphotropic Virus type-1 (HTLV-1) induces lymphocyte activation and proliferation, but little is known about the innate immune response due to HTLV-1 infection. We evaluated the percentage of neutrophils that metabolize Nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) to formazan in HTLV-1 infected subjects and the association between neutrophil activation and IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha levels. Blood was collected from 35 HTLV-1 carriers, from 8 patients with HAM/TSP (HTLV-1- associated myelopathy); 22 healthy individuals were evaluated for spontaneous and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated neutrophil activity (reduction of NBT to formazan). The production of IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha by unstimulated mononuclear cells was determined by ELISA. Spontaneous NBT levels, as well as spontaneous IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha production, were significantly higher (p<0.001) in HTLV-1 infected subjects than in healthy individuals. A trend towards a positive correlation was noted, with increasing percentage of NBT positive neutrophils and levels of IFN-gamma. The high IFN-gamma producing HTLV-1 patient group had significantly greater NBT than healthy controls, 43±24% and 17±4.8% respectively (p< 0.001), while no significant difference was observed between healthy controls and the low IFN-gamma-producing HTLV-1 patient group (30±20%). Spontaneous neutrophil activation is another marker of immune perturbation resulting from HTLV-1 infection. In vivo activation of neutrophils observed in HTLV-1 infected subjects is likely to be the same process that causes spontaneous IFN-gamma production, or it may partially result from direct IFN-gamma stimulation.