Publications by authors named "Andre A R Aleixo"

The production of cytokines by helper T lymphocytes is a critical event in the immune response, as alterations in the regulation of this process may result in an appropriate immune response, persistent infection or the development of autoimmune disease. Previously, this group has used flow cytometry to demonstrate the expression of interleukin-12 (IL-12) in peripheral blood CD4+ T lymphocytes from patients and mice with advanced cancer. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether CD4+ T lymphocytes from the peripheral blood (PB) of patients with cancer produce IL-12, using molecular approaches, flow cytometry and cellular imaging techniques.

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Although there is growing interest in studies that promote the benefits of exercise and the correlation between exercise and fighting cancer, previous studies have not been able to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. The aim of the present study was to investigate cytokine synthesis by peritoneal macrophages in the presence of mammary tumors and the effect of physical activity. Female BALB/c virgin mice (age, eight weeks) were obtained for the present study and divided into four groups: A no tumor/non-trained control group; a no tumor/trained group subjected to swim training; a tumor/non-trained group in which the mice received the carcinogenic drug, DMBA and a tumor/trained group in which the mice were subjected to DMBA and swim training protocols.

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Dendritic cell (DC) immunotherapy has been used to treat various types of tumors. Although it is already in use in clinical practice, the mechanisms through which it acts need clarification. In addition, the processes used to obtain DCs need to be improved so that more effective treatments can be offered.

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The immune system, which is indispensible for controlling neoplasias, relies on its innate and acquired immunity components to mount an effective response against tumors. In this context, dendritic cells (DCs) are seen as the best antigen-presenting cells because of their capacity for cross-presentation, which can activate both T-helper and cytotoxic lymphocytes. Thus immunotherapy with DCs is considered promising, especially for early-stage cancers.

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The aim of the study was to seek evidence for the production of IL-12 by CD4(+) T lymphocytes in in vitro and ex vivo trials. We performed in vitro trials with spleen cells from mice subjected to carcinogenesis, as well as ex vivo trials with cells obtained from the peripheral blood of healthy individuals and cancer patients. We were able to verify a significantly increased expression of IL-12 in CD4(+) T lymphocytes from mice and patients with tumors, compared to controls.

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