IPTSP - Artigos publicados em periódicos

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Propagule production of regional entomopathogenic fungi against Drosophila suzukii , an emerging fruit pest in southern Chile
(2025) Cárcamo Miranda, Pamela; Rodrigues Filho, Juscelino; Rocha, Luiz Fernando Nunes; Ortiz Gonzalez, Cristian Andres; Montalva, Cristian; Luz, Wolf Christian
Background: Berry crops in Southern Chile with a temperate humid climate are threatened by emerging invasive Drosophila suzukii, and there is urgent need to provide efficient tools for integrated control of this pest. Objective: This study aims to compare the potential of selected entomopathogenic Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium spp. strains to produce fungal propagules and new conidia on microsclerotia. Materials: Strains isolated from soil samples collected in affected berry plantations and highly virulent against D. suzukii were tested in standard culture conditions, and conidial production on microsclerotia determined at 15°C and 25°C. Results: The capacities to produce conidia, microsclerotia and blastospores depended on strains. The lower temperature did not affect conidial production on microsclerotia. Conclusions: There are promising candidates for the immediate development of a specific mycoinsecticide with the most appropriate propagule; ability of microsclerotia to produce high numbers of conidia in lower temperature encourages the search for innovative formulations to control D. suzukii in Southern Chile.
Effects of Metarhizium humberi conidia formulated with micronized carnauba wax on self-grooming behaviours by Aedes aegypti adults
(2025) Santos, Lucas; Rodrigues Filho, Juscelino; Luz, Wolf Christian
Aedes aegypti L. (Diptera, Culicidae), the key vector of viral diseases to humans in the tropics, is susceptible to infection by entomopathogenic fungi. Self-grooming behaviour, which remains largely unstudied for mosquitoes, may possibly interfere with fungal infection through the cuticle. In this study, self-grooming by A. aegypti adults exposed to Metarhizium humberi Luz, Rocha & Delalibera 2019 (Hypocreales, Clavicipitaceae) conidia supplemented or not with micronized carnauba wax (MCW) led to a decrease of non-germinated conidia and of early germinative stages from their body surface up to 24 h after exposure to a fungus-treated surface. Self-grooming behaviours by adults distinctly showed increased low-level, spontaneous and stimulus-independent self-grooming after exposure to conidia with or without added MCW or only to MCW. The first pair of legs simultaneously scraped the proboscis, antennae and wings; in three separate actions, the third pair of legs scraped (a) each other, (b) the first and second legs and (c) the gonapophyses. Immediately after exposure, conidia, a conidial/MCW mixture or MCW (without fungus) was readily detectable on tarsi, tibias and femurs (especially of the first and second leg pairs), gonapophyses, proboscis, antennae and wings. In mobile adults, mean conidial numbers dropped approximately fivefold during the 24 h immediately after exposure, but especially during the first 6 h, regardless of the conidial preparation and then, to a lesser extent, in the remaining 18 h. For cold-immobilized adults, during the first day post-exposure, conidial losses were distinctly lower or insignificant. MCW neither increased the number nor enhanced the retention time of conidia on the cuticle during the time tested. These findings strengthen the importance of considering self-grooming of mosquitoes – particularly regarding A. aegypti, the vector examined here – when developing specific fungal formulations for use in biological control.
Single-nucleotide polymorphisms in genes associated with the vitamin D pathway related to clinical and therapeutic outcomes of American tegumentary leishmaniasis
(2025) Oliveira, Iara Barreto Neves; Nunes, Ramon Vieira; Leite, Vanessa Rafaela Milhomem Cruz; Araujo, Camila Freire; Silveira, Murilo Barros; Pinto, Sebastião Alves; Lamounier, Lorena Andrade; Borges, Clayton Luiz; Martins, Edesio; Pires, Iane de Oliveira; Gomes, Porto Rodrigo Saar
Background: The vitamin D pathway contributes to the microbicidal activity of macrophages against Leishmania infection. In addition to induction of this pathway, interferon-gamma (IFNγ), interleukin (IL)-15, and IL32γ are part of a network of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The aim of this study was to evaluate single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the components of the vitamin D pathway and associated cytokine genes that could be related to resistance or susceptibility to American tegumentary leishmaniasis (ATL). Methods: The expressions of IFNG, IL15, IL32, CYP27B1, VDR, and other pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF, IL6, and IL17 genes were evaluated using real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) in lesions of patients with localized cutaneous leishmaniasis (LCL) or mucosal leishmaniasis (ML). SNP genotypes/alleles (in IL15, IL32, CYP27B1, and VDR) were evaluated by TaqMan PCR assays using DNA from the blood of patients and healthy individuals. Serum vitamin D levels were determined by chemiluminescence. Results: Vitamin D pathway-associated genes were expressed in cutaneous as well as mucosal lesions. IFNG, IL6, and IL17 were more highly expressed in ML than in LCL. In contrast, IL32γ/CYP27B1/VDR mRNAs were mainly correlated in LCL, and IL32γ in ML makes strong connections with all cytokines. The SNP IL32 rs1555001 was less frequent in patients with ML. In addition, some SNPs appear to influence the VDR and CYP27B1 (IL15 rs10519613 and IL15 rs3775597) and IL6 (VDR rs7975232) expressions in LCL and the IL17 expression in ML (IL15 rs3775597). Gene expression was also correlated with clinical parameters, such as number of lesions (CYP27B1 mRNA) and treatment failure (VDR mRNA). In addition, one SNP was associated with treatment failure in ML (VDR rs7975232). Conclusions: Our findings suggested that some SNPs in the vitamin D pathway-associated genes can be related to resistance and therapeutic outcomes of ATL. They are promising candidates that need to be further evaluated to understand their biological effects in the control or immunopathogenesis of ATL.
New insight on the acute CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity model in rats
(2025) Melo, Dorcas Fernandes dos Anjos; Silva, Marina Alves Coelho; Oliveira, Naiara Raica Lopes de; Oliveira Neto, Jerônimo Raimundo de; Lino Junior, Ruy de Souza ; Cruz, Alessandro Carvalho; Cunha, Luiz Carlos da
The CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity model is a traditional preclinical assay applied to evaluate potential hepatoprotective compounds. However, several studies have used it with inappropriate dose and exposure time, generating both weak response or irreversible liver injury, as well as lack of representative liver and plasma biomarkers. Therefore, this study aims to determine the best dose and exposure time of CCl4 in Wistar rats, permitting a proper evaluation of potential hepatoprotective effect. Thus, CCl4-intraperitoneal doses of 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mL/kg were first evaluated 24 h post-exposure, and then with the best dose achieved, it was also assessed at 6 and 12 h post-exposure. The determination of the main hepatotoxicity biomarkers, including malondialdehyde (MDA), aspartate transaminase (AST), and alanine transaminase (ALT), and histopathological analyses were performed. The results suggest that 6h CCl4 post-exposure is too short to induce ideal liver injury, and at 24 h, a suggestive rat free-radical scavenger mechanism seems to revert CCl4-initiated damage. According to these data, the ideal acute CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity model was established at a dose of 2.0 mL/kg and 12 h post-exposure in Wistar rats, which demonstrated a significant increase of liver MDA levels without irreversible injury, permitting a proper and reliable evaluation of potential hepatoprotective compounds.
Development and optimization of an antibody-free nucleic acid lateral flow assay (AF-NALFA) as part of a molecular toolkit for visual readout of amplified Listeria monocytogenes DNA
(2025) Luz, Leonardo Lopes da; Sampaio, Gabryele Cardoso; Alves, Luana Michele; Saavedra, Djairo Pastor; Mata, Luana Simões da; Ferreira, Ana Lídia Schröder; Teixeira, Lucas Carvalho Sucupira; Fogaça, Matheus Bernardes Torres; Neddermeyer, Paula Correa; Stefani, Mariane Martins de Araújo; Buhrer, Samira
Listeria monocytogenes is a Gram-positive foodborne pathogen responsible for listeriosis, a severe disease with high mortality in immunocompromised individuals. Rapid and accurate detection in food samples is essential for food safety. In this study, we developed and optimized an Antibody-Free Nucleic Acid Lateral Flow Assay (AF-NALFA) as part of a molecular detection toolkit for the visual readout of amplified L. monocytogenes hlyA gene, in combination with ultra-fast asymmetric PCR (aPCR) and oligonucleotide probe hybridization. Three critical parameters were optimized: oligonucleotide probe concentration on test and control lines, gold nanoparticle-probe conjugation ratio, and running buffer composition. In pure bacterial cultures, the limit of detection (LOD) of AF-NALFA was 12.62 copies for L. monocytogenes ATCC 7644, 8.68 copies for ATCC 19117, and 4.83 copies for ATCC 13932. These values were quantitatively assessed using qPCR, confirming the assay's consistency in detecting low DNA copy numbers. The prototype demonstrated 100% specificity against 13 other bacterial species. Furthermore, it was successfully tested in artificially contaminated UHT milk after 1 year of storage at room temperature, detecting L. monocytogenes at 1-30 CFU/mL without DNA purification or selective enrichment. The AF-NALFA enabled visual detection of target ssDNA hybridization within 20 min, offering a rapid, cost-effective alternative to DNA detection methods requiring expensive equipment, specialized expertise, and time-consuming procedures. These findings highlight AF-NALFA's potential as a complementary tool for L. monocytogenes surveillance, providing a practical solution for rapid screening in food safety laboratories and epidemiological monitoring.
Taking the opportunity of COVID testing to screen vulnerable populations for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, syphilis, and human immunodeficiency virus in Central Brazil
(2025) Silva Filho, Gabriel Francisco da; Milhomem, Antoninho Barros; Silva, Bruno Vinícius Diniz e; Santos, Kamila Cardoso dos; Silva, Grazielle Rosa da Costa e; Magalhães, Larissa Silva; Moura, Winny Éveny Alves; Martins, Thaynara Lorrane Silva; Gonçalves, Wanessa de Oliveira; Matos, Márcia Alves Dias de; Carneiro, Megmar Aparecida dos Santos
Vulnerable populations were disproportionally affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and its peak periods disrupted progress toward the control and prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and factors associated with hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), syphilis, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among socio-economically vulnerable populations during the COVID-2019 pandemic in Goiania, Central Brazil. A total of 627 individuals, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people, homeless individuals, waste recyclable collectors, and immigrants/refugees, were tested for these infections. Multiple Poisson regression models were used to analyze the factors associated with each outcome. HBV exposure markers were found in 16.1% of participants, antibodies against HCV (anti-HCV) in 1.9%, syphilis in 17.2%, and antibodies against HIV (anti-HIV) in 6.1%. Thirty-two individuals exhibited serological evidence of active syphilis, whereas HBV deoxyribonucleic acid and HCV ribonucleic acid were detected in six and two individuals, respectively. Increased age was statistically associated with HCV, HBV, and syphilis; identifying as LGBT and reporting a history of STIs was associated with syphilis and HIV. Illicit drug use was associated with HCV and HIV, whereas being an immigrant/ refugee or engaging in transactional sex was linked to HBV. Homelessness and reporting a higher number of sexual partners in the previous month were associated Vulnerable populations were disproportionally affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and its peak periods disrupted progress toward the control and prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and factors associated with hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), syphilis, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among socio-economically vulnerable populations during the COVID-2019 pandemic in Goiania, Central Brazil. A total of 627 individuals, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people, homeless individuals, waste recyclable collectors, and immigrants/refugees, were tested for these infections. Multiple Poisson regression models were used to analyze the factors associated with each outcome. HBV exposure markers were found in 16.1% of participants, antibodies against HCV (anti-HCV) in 1.9%, syphilis in 17.2%, and antibodies against HIV (anti-HIV) in 6.1%. Thirty-two individuals exhibited serological evidence of active syphilis, whereas HBV deoxyribonucleic acid and HCV ribonucleic acid were detected in six and two individuals, respectively. Increased age was statistically associated with HCV, HBV, and syphilis; identifying as LGBT and reporting a history of STIs was associated with syphilis and HIV. Illicit drug use was associated with HCV and HIV, whereas being an immigrant/ refugee or engaging in transactional sex was linked to HBV. Homelessness and reporting a higher number of sexual partners in the previous month were associated with syphilis. High prevalence rates of these infections were identified, with many participants showing evidence of active infections, increasing the risk of transmission. Specific risk behaviors were associated with each infection, emphasizing the need to tailor prevention strategies to address these behaviors effectively.
Fatores associados ao diabetes e hipertensão arterial autorreferidos em Goiás: análise do inquérito Vigitel Goiás 2023
(2025) Isaac, Isabela Ghetti Macedo; Oliveira, Max Moura de; Sardinha, Andréia de Souza Franco; Oliveira , Selma Alves Tavares de; Carvalho, Magna Maria de
Introduction: Diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension (AH) are associated with an increase in premature mortality. Characterizing the risk factors related to these diseases in a population can guide prevention and health promotion strategies. Objectives: The study aims to identify associations between the self-reported diagnosis of DM and AH and sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle and health status/comorbidities in the population of the state of Goiás. Methods: The data were extracted from the 1st Telephone Survey of Risk and Protective Factors for Noncommunicable Diseases and Conditions in the State of Goiás (Vigitel Goiás 2023). The analyzes were based on the Poisson Regression model with robust variance and variables with a p value <0.20 were selected for multiple regression using the backward method. Results: The factors associated with DM in the population older than 18 years of age in Goiás were: age (>45 years), non-consumption of soft drinks, high body mass index (BMI), diagnosis of AH. The factors associated with DM in the population older than 18 years of age in Goiás were: age (>45 years), not consuming soft drinks, high body mass index (BMI), diagnosis of AH. The factors associated with AH included age (>25 years), lower level of education, history of smoking, high BMI, diagnosis of depression or DM, and a self-rated health as poor or very poor. Significant differences among the state’s macro regions were not found concerning the analyzed outcomes. Discussion: Unexpected associations may reflect the knowledge about healthy habits acquired through health education by individuals who have received a medical diagnosis for these diseases. Conclusion: The identification of factors associated with AH and DM can contribute to the development of public policies that aim to take an individualized approach to local reality.
Fatores associados à ansiedade e depressão em estudantes de medicina: um estudo em universidade pública
(2025) Silva, Nathállia Alamino; Carneiro, Larissa Arbués; Oliveira, Max Moura de
factores que generan estrés, lo que puede llevar a una alta prevalencia de problemas de salud mental, como la ansiedad y la depresión, entre los estudiantes. Este estudio estimó la prevalencia de síntomas de ansiedad y depresión entre estudiantes de medicina de una universidad pública e identificó los principales factores asociados. Se utilizó una muestra de 214 estudiantes, quienes respondieron a preguntas sobre condiciones socioeconómicas, estado de salud, el Inventario de Ansiedad de Beck (BAI), el Inventario de Depresión de Beck (BDI) y el Test de Adicción a Internet (IAT). Se estimaron las tasas de prevalencia y las razones de prevalencia utilizando el Modelo de Poisson. Se encontró que el 43.5% de los participantes presentaban algún grado de depresión y el 38.8% mostraban síntomas de ansiedad. Factores como la presencia de enfermedades crónicas, el uso de medicación psiquiátrica y la necesidad de asistencia financiera se asociaron con estos trastornos (p<0.05). Se destaca la necesidad de implementar estrategias de apoyo e intervenciones para mejorar la salud mental de los futuros médicos, tales como programas de apoyo psicológico y políticas institucionales que promuevan un equilibrio saludable entre la vida académica y personal.
Modeling the herpes zoster disease burden and its potential health impact on older adults >50 years of age in Brazil
(2025) Ariel Bardach, Ariel; Ballivian, Jamile; Bagattini, Ângela Maria; Rosa, Michelle Quarti Machado da; Oliveira , Max Moura de; Gomez, Jorge Alberto; Casarini, Agustín
In Brazil, as the older population has grown at a very rapid pace (by 57.4% over 2010), the number of herpes zoster (HZ) infections is expected to increase. As the Brazilian healthcare system constitutes a complex combination of public-private financing, estimating the true impact of HZ is challenging. The objective was to ascertain the disease burden of HZ and estimate its attributable cost in older adults aged ≥50 y who are users of public and private health services. Disease burden was estimated based on the ZOster ecoNomic Analysis model using Brazil-specific inputs, and any information gap was addressed by the Delphi Panel. The incidence estimates were multiplied by the cost per intervention to calculate the economic burden of the disease. In the absence of HZ vaccination, older adults ≥50 y are projected to experience 359,797 and 23,917 cases of HZ and post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), with frequent and severe outcomes in the advanced age groups. The estimated mean cost of treatment per patient for HZ and PHN was ~7X and 16X more in the ANS population compared with the SUS. The number of hospitalizations (1339–1424) and median length of stay (4–5 d) were comparable between ANS and SUS. Hospitalization increased the treatment cost >10X (ANS: R$12459.67 –16,343.07; SUS: R$357.93 to 525.08). HZ imposes a substantial economic burden on the healthcare system due to high direct medical (R$357.36 million) and indirect costs (R$440.82 million). These results hold valuable insights for healthcare providers, insurers, and policymakers offering a comprehensive overview of the economic impact of HZ while implementing strategies for prevention of disease.
Tendências e padrões globais dos programas de prevenção de violência sexual em instituições de ensino: uma análise bibliométrica
(2025) Queiroz, Maressa Noemia Rodrigues; Oliveira, Max Moura de; Souza, Marta Rovery de
Participation in a home visiting program predicted maternal but not child vocabulary diversity: a pragmatic randomized trial in Brazil
(2025) Vescovi, Gabriela; Munhoz, Tiago Neuenfeld; Rowe, Meredith L.; Altafim, Elisa Rachel Pisani; Santos, Iná da Silva dos; Manitto, Alicia Matijasevich; Salum, Cristiane Otero Reis; Correia, Luciano Lima; Lira, Pedro Israel Cabral de; Santos, Letícia Marques dos; Souza, Marta Rovery de
The Criança Feliz (Happy Child) parenting program is a home visiting intervention serving over a million low-income Brazilian families. The current study assessed its longitudinal associations with maternal and child speech and gestures in a subsample (n = 145) from the program’s impact evaluation research. We performed a between-participants pragmatic randomized trial. Mothers (79.7% Black) and children (17–25 months of age; 50.3% female) were randomly assigned to control (n = 73) and intervention (n = 72) groups. One year later, mother–child pairs were recorded playing at home, and the videos were transcribed and analyzed for speech (quantity, vocabulary diversity, sentence complexity, and number of questions) and gestures (quantity). Intention-to-treat analysis revealed that the intervention was associated with the mother’s vocabulary diversity (d = .35) regardless of schooling level. No direct or indirect (via maternal speech) associations were observed with the child’s speech or gestures. This preliminary evidence suggests that participation in the Criança Feliz program is related to mothers’ vocabulary diversity but not to children’s speech or gesture measures. The program could focus on maternal gestures, questions, and book reading (complexity feature). Future research evaluating the impact of the program on language outcomes should include pretesting and child follow-up assessments.
Outbreak of monensin poisoning in equines: clinical signs, histopathologic findings and chromatographic diagnosis
(2025) Correia, Nelcimara Mirley de Souza; Fernandes, Wagner Luis; Lana, Mary Ane Gonçalves; Moraes, Isadora David Tavares de; Nunes, Julia Paiva; Ferreira, Jéssyca Ataíde; Vicente, Monica Chacon de; Barros, Alexandre Có Mangoni; Guimarães, Ana Rita Rodrigues; Souza, Murilo Rodrigues de; Miguel, Marina Pacheco
Ionophores are polyether antibiotics used in animal production for ruminants and birds to promote growth and exert coccidiostat action. Despite the benefits of their use, poisonings have also been reported in several species. Equines are very sensitive, and most cases involve mistaken intake of feed intended for ruminants. This research described an outbreak of ionophore poisoning in seven horses and a mule that ingested livestock concentrate, confirmed by a chromatographic diagnostic method. A six-year-old horse was presented with clinical signs of sialorrhea, sweating, ataxia, prostration, anorexia, muscle tremors, lateral recumbency, posterior lateral decubitus, which began the day before. Laboratory tests showed increased AST (aspartate aminotransferase) and CK (creatine kinase) activities. Electrocardiogram revealed ventricular tachycardia. Due to the severity of the condition, the patient was euthanized on the day of admission, and a necropsy was performed, in which skeletal and cardiac muscle tissues were collected. Histology revealed multifocal necrosis in cardiomyocytes, necrosis, edema and hemorrhage in skeletal muscle. A visit was made to the property to evaluate other animals and collect samples for laboratory tests. All remaining animals underwent physical examination, two of which showed serious clinical signs. Three animals showed normocytic normochromic anemia, four increased creatinine, two had increased AST activity and all had increased CK activity. Among the poisoned animals, two died on the property. Liver sample from the first euthanized horse was examined by liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry, identifying 51.59 µg/kg of monensin. It is concluded that, despite the recovery of the animals, the toxic action of the ionophore can cause injuries that affect equine health and welfare. The feasibility of chromatographic analysis is essential for a definitive diagnosis and must be subsequently developed together with reference values for tissue residues and maximum tolerated doses.
Metabolic disruptions in P. vivax malaria: insights from four antimalarial treatment regimens
(2025) Yakubu, Michael Nosano; Mwangi, Victor Irungu; Almeida, Anne Cristine Gomes de; Silva, Emanuelle Lira da; Adrião, Asenate Aline Xavier; Santos, Gabriel Franco dos; Lima, Gesiane da Silva; Machado, Lucas Santos; Koolen, Hector Henrique Ferreira; Guimarães, Tiago P.; Gardinassi, Luiz Gustavo Araujo
Understanding how antimalarial regimens affect host metabolism could inform more effective Plasmodium vivax control strategies. This study investigated plasma metabolic alterations in P. vivax-infected patients treated with four antimalarial regimens using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Patients received: (T1) chloroquine (CQ) for 3 days + primaquine (PQ) for 14 days; (T2) dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DHA-PPQ) for 3 days + PQ for 14 days; (T3) CQ + PQ42 (from day 42); or (T4) DHA-PPQ + PQ42 (from day 42). CQ-based regimens (T1, T3) caused broad metabolic perturbations involving arginine/proline, aspartate/ asparagine, glutamate, nitrogen, pyrimidine, and vitamin B3 metabolism pathway. TI specifically affected alanine/aspartate, and methionine/cysteine metabolisms, while T3 influenced aminosugar, butanoate, glutathione metabolisms, glycine, serine, alanine, threonine metabolisms, tyrosine, and ubiquinone metabolisms. These disruptions have the potential to impair vascular function and immune responses, and affect redox balance and energy production, vital in parasite clearance and host recovery. Contrastingly, DHA-PPQ-based regimens (T2, T4) had distinct effects. T2 altered histidine metabolism, while T4 disrupted the carnitine shuttle, porphyrin metabolism, and plasma lipid levels; changes that may potentially impact energy homeostasis during infection, hemoglobin turnover and oxidative stress responses. Regimens lacking PQ (T3, T4) affected androgen/estrogen biosynthesis, implicating PQ to modulate hormone-related responses during treatment. These findings suggest antimalarial regimens exert regimen-specific metabolic effects, with CQ-based therapies broadly impacting amino acid and redox metabolism, and DHA-PPQ-based therapies affecting lipid and mitochondrial pathways. Mapping these metabolic signatures reveals the profound impact of these interventions on patients and support host-directed strategies for optimized vivax malaria management.
Akkermansia muciniphila restrains type 1 diabetes onset by eliciting cDC2 and Treg cell differentiation in NOD and STZ-induced experimental models
(2025) Rodrigues, Vanessa Fernandes; Oliveira, Jefferson Elias; Pereira, Italo Sousa; Pereira, Jéssica Assis; Barbosa, Sara Cândida; Machado, Melissa Santana Gonsalez; Guimarães, Jhefferson Barbosa; Pacheco, Thaílla Cristina Faria; Bortolucci, Jonatã; Zaramela, Livia Soares; Gardinassi, Luiz Gustavo Araujo
Aims: Akkermansia muciniphila (A. muciniphila), a Gram-negative anaerobic mucus-layer-degrading bacterium found in the intestinal mucosa, exhibits potential as a probiotic, showing promise in mitigating autoimmune and chronic inflammatory diseases. This study aims to investigate whether A. muciniphila supplementation might confer protection against type 1 diabetes (T1D) and to elucidate the immunological pathways through which it exerts its beneficial effects. Materials and methods: Non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 1 diabetes (T1D) models were used to evaluate the protective effects of A. muciniphila during T1D course. Body weight, blood glucose levels, and T1D incidence were monitored. Immune responses in the pancreas, pancreatic (PLN) and cecal lymph nodes (CLN) and bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDC) were evaluated by flow cytometry and ELISA. Key findings: Viable A. muciniphila supplementation conferred protection against T1D onset in STZ-induced T1D and NOD mouse models. T1D modulation by A. muciniphila in the STZ model was independent of the gut microbiota, and it was associated with increased tolerogenic type-2 dendritic cells (SIRP-α+CD11b+CD103+) and regulatory T (Treg) cells in PLN and pancreas. BMDC differentiated in the presence of A. muciniphila exhibited a tolerogenic profile and induced Treg cell generation in vitro. A. muciniphila-induced protection in T1D outcome was abrogated in FOXP3-DTR mice depleted of Treg cells, indicating that its mechanism of action is dependent on the CD4+Foxp3+ Treg cells. Significance: A. muciniphila supplementation attenuates T1D development in mice by modulating the tolerogenic immune response and is a promising new therapeutic tool for this autoimmune disease
Approach to studies on podocyte lesions mediated by hyperglycemia: a systematic review
(2025) Silva, Jordana Souza; Miguel, Camila Botelho; Felipe, Alberto Gabriel Borges; Martins, Ana Luisa Monteiro dos Santos; Miguel, Renata Botelho; Carrijo, Maraiza Oliveira; Mazurek, Laise; Araújo, Liliane Silvano; Silva, Crislaine Aparecida da; Góes Neto, Aristóteles; Oliveira, Carlo José Freire de; Silva, Juliana Reis Machado e
Podocyte injury is a central event in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy (DN). We conducted a systematic review across four major databases, identifying 7769 records and including 130 studies that met predefined eligibility criteria. Methodological quality was assessed with Joanna Briggs Institute tools, yielding a mean score of 81.3%, indicating overall moderate-to-high rigor despite design-contingent limitations. Publication activity was sparse until 2018 but increased markedly thereafter, with more than 80% of studies published between 2019 and 2025. Temporal analyses confirmed a strong positive trend (p = 0.86, p < 0.0001), reflecting the rapid expansion of this field. Study designs evolved from early human-only descriptions to integrated multi-model approaches combining human tissue, animal experiments, and in vitro systems, thus balancing clinical relevance with mechanistic exploration. Geographically, Asia emerged as the leading contributor, complemented by increasing multinational collaborations. Mechanistic synthesis highlighted five reproducible pillars of podocyte injury: slit-diaphragm and adhesion failure, mTOR–autophagy–ER stress disequilibrium, mitochondrial and lipid-driven oxidative injury, immune, complement, and inflammasome activation, and epigenetic and transcriptomic reprogramming. Collectively, these findings underscore a convergent mechanistic cascade driving podocyte dysfunction, while also providing a framework for therapeutic interventions aimed at restoring barrier integrity, metabolic balance, and immune regulation in DN.
High resolution capillary western blot analysis of antibody reactivity in human visceral leishmaniasis
(2025) Silva, Marcos Vinícius da; Oliveira, Aldo Matos Rafael Faria de; Silva, Juliana Reis Machado e; Obata, Malú Mateus Santos; Teixeira, Luciana de Almeida Silva; Correia Filho, Dalmo; Rodrigues, Denise Bertulucci Rocha; Rodrigues Junior, Virmondes
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a potentially fatal disease, occurring in 76 countries, 12 of which are located in the Americas, with approximately 3,500 new cases annually registered in Brazil. Active visceral leishmaniasis is characterized by an intense inflammatory reaction with a low cell-mediated immune response and a high production of specific and non-specific antibodies. Antibodies are not associated with effective protective mechanisms but have been used widely in diagnostic tests. In this study, we analyzed the immunoglobulin G (IgG) response against crude antigens of Leishmania infantum by using automated western capillary blot in patients with active and clinically cured VL, individuals residing in an endemic area and patients with Chagas disease. The method allowed an accurate analysis of the antibody response. Our results demonstrated that antibody reactivity to L. infantum antigens in the 20–142 kDa range effectively distinguished active VL from clinically cured cases and Chagas disease, although these antigens were not exclusively recognized by patients with active VL. The automated western capillary blot proved to be a useful tool for differentiating patients with active VL from individuals living in endemic areas and those with Chagas disease, highlighting its potential application in serological diagnostics.
Evaluation of cardiac IL-11 and IL-11Rα expression during T. Cruzi infection
(2025) Braga, Yarlla Loyane Lira; Carmo Neto, José Rodrigues do; Franco, Pablo Igor Ribeiro; Oliveira, Jordana Fernandes de; Trevisan, Rafael Obata; Vito, Fernanda Bernadelli de; Oliveira, Flávia Aparecida de; Celes, Mara Rúbia Nunes; Silva, Marcos Vinícius da; Silva, Juliana Reis Machado e
Chagas disease (CD), caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, leads to cardiomyopathy in approximately 20–30% of infected individuals. Interleukin-11 (IL-11) has been implicated in cardiac fibrosis, although its immunological role in this context remains unclear. This study investigated the temporal dynamics of IL-11 and its receptor, IL-11Rα, expression in the hearts of C57BL/6 mice infected with 1,000 trypomastigote forms of the Y or Colombian strains of T. cruzi. Mice were euthanized at 5, 15, 30, 60, and 120 days post-infection (dpi). Survival, parasitemia, and body and heart weights were monitored. Cardiac tissue was analyzed for parasite nests, myocarditis, collagen deposition, and expression of the IL-11 receptor alpha (IL-11Rα). Cytokine profiles were evaluated by ELISA and Cytometric Bead Array. Histopathological analysis revealed more intense myocarditis, parasite load, and collagen deposition in mice infected with the Colombian strain. Both strains induced IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-6 in cardiac tissue; however, IL-10, IL-4, and IL-17 were detected only in the Y strain, indicating a more balanced immune response. Despite the absence of significant IL-11 upregulation in either infection, IL-11Rα expression was progressively increased over time and positively correlated with collagen deposition. These findings suggest that IL-11Rα may play a role in cardiac remodeling and fibrosis independently of IL-11 upregulation. The results reinforce the importance of T. cruzi strain variability in disease outcome and highlight the IL-11/IL-11Rα axis as a potential target for further investigation in Chagas cardiomyopathy.
Metabolic and behavioral effects of PHMB on Biomphalaria glabrata: a strategy for schistosomiasis control
(2025) Almeida, Maria Eduarda Alves; Amaral, Vanessa Cristiane de Santana; Costa, Tatiane Luiza da; Machado, Karine Borges; Bezerra, José Clecildo Barreto; Vinaud, Marina Clare; Silva, Luciana Damacena
The snail Biomphalaria glabrata is an important transmitter of Schistosoma mansoni, the parasite that causes schistosomiasis. One of the strategies for controlling the disease involves interrupting the transmission cycle of the parasite by managing the host snail population. In a previous study, the sanitizer polyhexamethylene biguanide hydrochloride (PHMB) caused mortality in B. glabrata starting at 1.6 mg L-1. The present study evaluated the activity of PHMB at concentrations of 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8 mg L-1 through behavioral changes and biochemical biomarkers. The snails were evaluated every 24 hours for behavioral changes such as lethargy, mucus secretion, shell confinement, exposure of the cephalopodal mass, and lack of movement. After 96 hours, hemolymph was collected via cardiac puncture for analysis of glucose, total protein, urea, uric acid, creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) enzymes, and organic acids involved in the glycolytic pathway, tricarboxylic acid cycle, and lipid and protein metabolism. The exposure of the cephalopodal mass with lack of movement showed the highest rates of behavioral changes, ranging from 72% to 95%. Additionally, exposure to PHMB resulted in the use of fatty acids and proteins as energy substrates. Our results suggest a continuation of studies on energy metabolism pathways as a promising target for controlling snail vectors of parasites that cause neglected diseases such as schistosomiasis
Albendazole-praziquantel association in experimental neurocysticercosis induces metabolic stress in energy pathways
(2025) Mercadante, Thaynara; Lima, Nayana Ferreira de; Picanço, Guaraciara de Andrade; Costa, Tatiane Luiza da; Souza, Jéssica Yonara de
La neurocisticercosis (NCC) es un grave problema de salud pública, con alta incidencia en países donde lascondiciones higiénicas son precarias. La enfermedad es causada por la infección del sistema nervioso central por cisticercos de Taenia solium, la forma larval del parásito, y puede provocar síntomas neurológicos graves, como convulsiones, cefaleas y déficits cognitivos. La inoculación intracraneal de Taenia crassicepsen ratones es un modelo experimental utilizado para estudios de la NCC. El tratamiento de la NCC puede variar y se realiza principalmente con los fármacos albendazol (ABZ) y prazicuantel (PZQ), ya sea de forma individual o combinada. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo determinar y evaluar el impacto metabólico de la combinación ABZ-PZQ en ratones infectados intracranealmente con cisticercos de T. crassiceps. El uso combinado de ABZ y PZQ mostró un impacto significativo en la glucólisis, la oxidación de ácidos grasos, la producción de propionato y el catabolismo proteico en comparación con el grupo control (tratado con NaCl al 0,9%). El modo de acción combinado de ABZ-PZQ indujo estrés metabólico yaumentó el uso de vías energéticas alternativas por parte de los cisticercos. Por lo tanto, ambos antihelmínticos demostraron un impacto significativo en el metabolismo de los cisticercos de T. crassiceps.
Amorphous ivermectin nanoparticles: in vitro and in vivo studies supporting their potential in neurocysticercosis therapy
(2025) Rodovalho, Ana Isabella Coimbra; Bedogni, Giselle; Xavier, Maria Eduarda Leopoldino da Fonsêca; Picanço, Guaraciara de Andrade; Souza, Jéssica Yonara de; Campos, Geovana Batista de; Costa, Tatiane Luiza da; Vinaud, Marina Clare; Javier Salomon, Claudio
Neurocysticercosis is a serious parasitic infection of the central nervous system caused by the larval stage of Taenia solium, and is an important public health concern in many countries of Asia, Latin America, and Africa. In the last decade have seen a significant increase in diagnosed cases in Europe and North America, due to immigration from countries where the disease is endemic. Although ivermectin has demonstrated antiparasitic efficacy, its therapeutic potential against neurocysticercosis is limited by poor solubility and bioavailability. Therefore, this study aimed to develop ivermectin nanosuspensions as a promising strategy to enhance its solubility and overall antiparasite efficacy. Ivermectin nanosuspensions were prepared using the antisolvent precipitation method with SOLUPLUS® and polyvinylpyrrolidone as stabilizers. In vivo studies were conducted to evaluate whether the ivermectin nanosystems could alter the parasite's energy metabolism, ultimately leading to its death. The findings indicated that the nanoparticles were obtained in high yields. In the solid state, these nanosystems showed an almost complete drug amorphization after the spray-drying process. After drying and redispersion, these formulations exhibited particle sizes between 76 and 100 nm and zeta potential values between −2.0 and −23.1, depending on the type of stabilizer. The in vivo study indicated that several metabolic alterations were observed in Taenia crassiceps cysticerci after in vivo treatment with nanosuspensions of ivermectin. These findings confirm that the formulated ivermectin nanosuspensions effectively reduced metabolite concentrations linked to glycolysis, mitochondrial function, protein catabolism, and fatty acid metabolism. This suggests a promising strategy to enhance drug efficacy for the successful treatment of neurocysticercosis.

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