Association of Catalase and Glutathione Peroxidase 1 Polymorphisms with Chronic Hepatitis C Outcome.

The hepatic damage caused by hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is associated with the host immune response and viral regulatory factors. Catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1) are antioxidant enzymes located in the peroxisomes and mitochondria, respectively, and are responsible for the control of intracellular hydrogen peroxide levels. Polymorphisms in CAT (C-262T) and GPX1 (Pro198Leu) are correlated with serum levels and enzyme activity.

TNF-α and IL-10 polymorphisms increase the risk to hepatocellular carcinoma in HCV infected individuals.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the major cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The risk to develop HCC increases with the severity of liver inflammation and hepatic fibrosis. It is believed that a balance between the releases of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines will determine the clinical course of HCV and the risk to develop HCC.

Low IL10 serum levels as key factor for predicting the sustained virological response to IFNα/ribavirin in Brazilian patients with HCV carrying IL28B CT/TT genotype.

Propose: IL28B polymorphisms rs12979860 CC genotype was associated to protection of HCV infection and sustained virological response (SVR) in HCV infected patients treated with pegIFNα/ribavirin (IFNα/RIB), however, this polymorphism frequency varies depending on genetic components. Studies with larger number of Brazilian individuals, determining IL28B polymorphisms is lacking. Regarding to treatment response, the levels of IL10 seem to influence response to IFNα/RIB therapy.

Myeloperoxidase gene polymorphism predicts fibrosis severity in women with hepatitis C.

Oxidative stress plays an important role on liver fibrosis progression in the course of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) is an enzyme released by neutrophils and macrophages, responsible for generating hypochlorous acid and reactive oxygen species (ROS) that may lead to liver injury in HCV infection. On the other hand, antioxidant enzymes such as manganese superoxide dismutase (SOD) controls ROS-mediated damage.

Modelling the force of infection for hepatitis A in an urban population-based survey: a comparison of transmission patterns in Brazilian macro-regions.

Background: This study aimed to identify the transmission pattern of hepatitis A (HA) infection based on a primary dataset from the Brazilian National Hepatitis Survey in a pre-vaccination context. The national survey conducted in urban areas disclosed two epidemiological scenarios with low and intermediate HA endemicity.

Methods: A catalytic model of HA transmission was built based on a national seroprevalence survey (2005 to 2009).

Plasmatic higher levels of homocysteine in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a chronic liver disease, which includes a spectrum of hepatic pathology such as simple steatosis, steatohepatitis, fibrosis and cirrhosis. The increased serum levels of homocysteine (Hcy) may be associated with hepatic fat accumulation. Genetic mutations in the folate route may only mildly impair Hcy metabolism.

Prevalence and risk factors of Hepatitis C virus infection in Brazil, 2005 through 2009: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Hepatitis C chronic liver disease is a major cause of liver transplant in developed countries. This article reports the first nationwide population-based survey conducted to estimate the seroprevalence of HCV antibodies and associated risk factors in the urban population of Brazil.

Methods: The cross sectional study was conducted in all Brazilian macro-regions from 2005 to 2009, as a stratified multistage cluster sample of 19,503 inhabitants aged between 10 and 69 years, representing individuals living in all 26 State capitals and the Federal District.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of universal childhood hepatitis A vaccination in Brazil: regional analyses according to the endemic context.

Objective: To conduct a cost-effectiveness analysis of a universal childhood hepatitis A vaccination program in Brazil.

Methods: An age and time-dependent dynamic model was developed to estimate the incidence of hepatitis A for 24 years. The analysis was run separately according to the pattern of regional endemicity, one for South+Southeast (low endemicity) and one for the North+Northeast+Midwest (intermediate endemicity).

Plasma myeloperoxidase levels correlate with hepatocellular carcinoma in chronic hepatitis C.

Myeloperoxidase (MPO) is an enzyme responsible for generating hypochlorous acid and reactive oxidants that may lead to liver injury and cancer in hepatitis C (HCV) infection. MPO expression level is regulated by a polymorphism in the promoter region -463 of MPO gene. In the current study, MPO plasma levels and the G-463A MPO polymorphism were determined in 158 chronically HCV infected patients with and without hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphism and high plasma homocysteine in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) infected patients from the Northeast of Brazil.

Background/aim: Hyperhomocysteinemia due to Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (MTHFR) gene, in particular the C677T (Ala222Val) polymorphism were recently associated to steatosis and fibrosis. We analyzed the frequency of MTHFR gene in a cross-sectional study of patients affected by Chronic Hepatitis C (CHC) from Northeast of Brazil.

Method: One hundred seven-four untreated patients with CHC were genotyped for the C677T MTHFR.

Mannose-binding lectin serum levels in patients with leprosy are influenced by age and MBL2 genotypes.

Background: Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) activates the complement system promoting opsonophagocytosis, which could represent an advantage for Mycobacterium leprae, an intracellular pathogen. Therefore, a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the MBL2 gene associated with low levels of MBL could confer protection against the development of leprosy disease.

Methods: In this study, we investigated SNPs of the MBL2 gene and MBL levels in 228 Brazilian leprosy patients and 232 controls.

Calcium lactate effect on the shelf life of osmotically dehydrated guavas.

The effect of calcium lactate on osmodehydrated guavas in sucrose and maltose solutions was monitored during storage under passive modified atmosphere for 24 d at 5 °C. Sample texture and color characteristics, microbial spoilage, sensory acceptance, structural changes, and gas composition inside the packages were periodically evaluated. Calcium lactate inhibited microbial growth on guavas, with yeast and mold counts in the order of 10(2) CFU/g throughout storage.

Methodology of a nationwide cross-sectional survey of prevalence and epidemiological patterns of hepatitis A, B and C infection in Brazil.

A population-based survey to provide information on the prevalence of hepatitis viral infection and the pattern of risk factors was carried out in the urban population of all Brazilian state capitals and the Federal District, between 2005 and 2009. This paper describes the design and methodology of the study which involved a population aged 5 to 19 for hepatitis A and 10 to 69 for hepatitis B and C. Interviews and blood samples were obtained through household visits.

High frequency of variant alleles of the mannose-binding lectin 2 (MBL2) gene are associated with patients infected by hepatitis B virus.

Patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection may develop severe chronic liver disease. Carriers of HBV have an increased risk of developing cirrhosis, hepatic decompensation, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Worldwide an estimated 350 million people are infected with HBV, and 15-40% will develop serious sequelae in their lifetime.

Cassava starch coating and citric acid to preserve quality parameters of fresh-cut "Tommy Atkins" mango.

Combination of citric acid dipping (5 g/L) and cassava starch coating (10 g/L), with and without glycerol (10 g/L), was studied to verify the effectiveness of these treatments to inhibit enzymatic browning, to reduce respiration rate, and to preserve quality parameters of "Tommy Atkins" fresh-cut mangoes during storage at 5 degrees C. Color characteristics (L and C), mechanical properties (stress at failure), weight loss, beta-carotene content, sensory acceptance, and microbial growth of fruits were evaluated during 15 d. The respiration rate of fruit subjected to the treatments was also analyzed.

Association of hepatitis C virus infection and liver fibrosis severity with the variants alleles of MBL2 gene in a Brazilian population.

Mannose binding lectin (MBL) is a molecule of the innate immunity, which activates the complement system and modulates inflammation. We investigated the association of the polymorphisms in the exon 1 and promoter region of the MBL gene (MBL2) with the susceptibility to hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and the degree of liver fibrosis in Brazilian patients chronically infected with HCV. The study was performed in 232 healthy control subjects and 186 patients, 157 of whom underwent liver biopsy after histopathology analysis and classification of fibrosis according to Metavir score.

Population-based multicentric survey of hepatitis B infection and risk factor differences among three regions in Brazil.

This multicentric population-based study in Brazil is the first national effort to estimate the prevalence of hepatitis B (HBV) and risk factors in the capital cities of the Northeast, Central-West, and Federal Districts (2004-2005). Random multistage cluster sampling was used to select persons 13-69 years of age. Markers for HBV were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

The resistance to fluconazole in patients with esophageal candidiasis.

Context: Esophageal candidiasis is often observed in patients with risk factors for its development and fluconazole is the therapeutic choice for the treatment of this disease.

Objectives: To determine its frequency, by performing upper digestive endoscopy; to determine Candida species involved in its pathogenesis and verify their distribution according with the predisposing factors and to determine susceptibility to fluconazole in the samples.

Methods: From March 2006 to April 2007, all patients submitted to esophagogastroduodenoscopy at the Digestive Endoscopy Unit in the Oswaldo Cruz University Hospital, Recife, PE, Brazil, were eligible for the study.

Multilevel analysis of hepatitis A infection in children and adolescents: a household survey in the Northeast and Central-west regions of Brazil.

Background: The objectives were to estimate the prevalence of hepatitis A among children and adolescents from the Northeast and Midwest regions and the Federal District of Brazil and to identify individual-, household- and area-levels factors associated with hepatitis A infection.

Methods: This population-based survey was conducted in 2004-2005 and covered individuals aged between 5 and 19 years. A stratified multistage cluster sampling technique with probability proportional to size was used to select 1937 individuals aged between 5 and 19 years living in the Federal capital and in the State capitals of 12 states in the study regions.

Volume-weighted mean glomerular volume in spontaneously hypertensive rats treated with different doses of spironolactone.

Objectives: Ascertain alterations in volume-weighted glomerular volume in monotherapy of spontaneously hypertensive rats with different doses of spironolactone.

Material And Methods: We have studied young adult male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) 20 weeks old, divided in 4 groups of 5 animals each: Controls, spironolactone lower dose (5mg/kg/day), spironolactone average dose (10mg/kg/day), and spironolactone higher dose (30mg/kg/day) dissolved in drinking water (for 12 weeks). Serum albumin, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine, and the volume-weighted mean glomerular volume (VWGV) were measured.

The effect of enalapril on the cardiac remodelling in ovariectomized spontaneously hypertensive rats.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors reduce the blood pressure (BP) and inhibit the generation of the angiotensin II from the inactive angiotensin I. Ten 28-week-old spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) had their ovaries bilaterally removed and five rats were left intact and studied for 7 additional weeks: intact group, ovariectomized group (ovx SHRs) and ovariectomized + enalapril group (ovx + en). BP was higher in ovx SHRs and lower in treated ovx SHRs.

Aortic wall remodeling in rats with nitric oxide deficiency treated by enalapril or verapamil.

Twenty mature male Wistar rats were maintained alive for 40 days, separated in four groups of five rats each: control, L-NAME (LN), L-NAME + Enalapril (LN + E), L-NAME + Verapamil (LN + V). Blood pressure (BP), left ventricular (LV) mass index, and aortic wall parameters were analyzed: aortic wall thickness, tunica media sectional area, surface density of lamellae (Sv[lamellae]), and smooth muscle cell nuclear profiles per section (SMC). At the end of the experiment, the LN group showed high BP and a high LV mass index (cardiac hypertrophy).

Renal cortex remodeling in nitric oxide deficient rats treated with enalapril.

The kidney NO synthase is one of the most important renal controlling systems. This paper aims the quantification of renal cortical components involved in blood pressure regulation under NOs blockade. Spontaneous hypertensive rats (SHRs) are submitted to chronic blockade of NOs by L-nitro-arginine-methyl-ester (L-NAME) and an ACE inhibitor (enalapril) in comparison with the normotensive Wistar rats.

Kidney adaptation in nitric oxide-deficient Wistar and spontaneously hypertensive rats.

We investigated the renal structural and functional consequences of nitric oxide (NO) deficiency co-treated with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEi) in 20 adult male Wistar rats and 20 spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). The animals were separated into eight groups (n = 5) and treated for 30 days: Control, L-NAME (NO deficient group), Enalapril, L-NAME + Enalapril. The elevated blood pressure in NO deficient rats was partially reduced by enalapril.

Enalapril attenuates cardiorenal damage in nitric-oxide-deficient spontaneously hypertensive rats.

Stereological structural alterations of the heart and kidney were studied in four groups (n=5) of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) treated for 30 days: (i) control, (ii) NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester [L-NAME; nitric oxide (NO) synthesis inhibitor] alone, (iii) enalapril alone and (iv) L-NAME plus enalapril. Blood pressure (BP) was elevated significantly in NO-deficient SHRs (rats receiving L-NAME) or significantly lower in enalapril-treated SHRs. Co-administration of L-NAME and enalapril caused a 20% decrease in BP compared with untreated SHRs.