Anne Brandolt Larré

Morphological aspects of Monocercomonas sp. and investigation on probable pseudocysts occurrence.

Monocercomonas sp. is a flagellate protozoan found in the large intestine of snakes and in insects. Light microscopy revealed the measurements of morphological features of the trophozoites. Scanning electron microscopy showed in detail the emergence of the three anterior flagella, the recurrent flagellum, the axostyle, and the absence of undulating membrane. In addition, we described spherical forms which are probably pseudocysts. The investigation on the occurrence of this process was carried out through the incubation of Monocercomonas sp. trophozoites in several stressful conditions, such as pH change, nutrient depletion and different temperatures. Results revealed high pseudocyst formation at acidic pH values (4.0, 5.0, and 6.0), in absence of serum and in incubation at 37°C. The occurrence of these pseudocystic forms in trichomonads life cycle is under investigation. This study describes the external structure of Monocercomonas sp., as demonstrated by light and scanning electron microscopy. Moreover, to our knowledge, this is the first time that formation of probable pseudocysts is shown in Monocercomonas sp., contributing to the research field on termite protozoa biology.

Analysis of microtubule cytoskeleton distribution using a fluorescent taxoid in two trichomonadid protozoa : Trichomonas gallinae and Tritrichomonas foetus

Trichomonas gallinae and Tritrichomonas foetus are flagellated parasitic protozoa of the upper digestive tract of birds and the urogenital tract of cattle, respectively. Both of these species are important in the veterinary field, due to the fact that they cause significant economic losses. Therefore, we investigated the morphology of these parasites by studying microtubule cytoskeleton organization. FLUTAX-2, an active fluorescent derivative of Taxol, was used in this study. This fluorescent taxoid binds to polymerized alphabeta-tubulin dimers. Our results showed that FLUTAX-2 was able to bind to and stabilize microtubules of intact T. gallinae and T. foetus trophozoites, allowing the microtubular cytoskeleton to be easily observed by fluorescence microscopy. T. foetus and T. gallinae had no differences in their FLUTAX-2 binding profiles. Further studies may allow this technique to be improved, and it may possibly be used as a routine laboratory method for the diagnosis of avian and bovine trichomonosis.

Phosphodiesterases and preeclampsia

Antagonizing vasodilation has been considered one of the potential mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of preeclampsia. Phosphodiesterases hydrolyze cGMP, interfering with the action of nitric oxide on vascular smooth muscle, thus causing vasoconstriction. We hypothesize that the phosphodiesterases in maternal plasma, phosphodiesterase-5 in particular, may be linked to clinical manifestations in preeclampsia syndrome.

Phosphodiesterase Inhibition in the Treatment of Preeclampsia: What Is New?

Purpose of ReviewThe present study intends to review the possibility of using phosphodiesterase inhibitors as a treatment option for preeclampsia, addressing potential risks and benefits.Recent FindingsPreeclampsia is the most common hypertensive disorder of pregnancy, often responsible for severe maternal and fetal complications, which can lead to early pregnancy termination and death. Despite the numerous studies, its pathophysiology is still unclear, although it seems to involve a multiplicity of complex factors related to angiogenesis, ineffective vasodilation, oxidative stress, inflammatory cytokines, and endothelial dysfunction. It has been hypothetically suggested that the use of phosphodiesterase inhibitors is capable of improving placental and fetal perfusion, contributing to gestational scenario, by decreasing the symptomatology and severity of this syndrome. In this literature review, it has been found that most of the studies were conducted in animal models, and there is still lack of evidence supporting its use in clinical practice. Research in human indicates conflicting findings; randomized controlled trials were scarce and did not demonstrate any benefit in morbidity or mortality. Data regarding to pathophysiological and interventional research are described and commented in this review.SummaryThe use of phosphodiesterase inhibitors in the treatment of preeclampsia is controversial and should not be encouraged taking into account recent data.

Interference of intensity of aquatic activity levels in blood pressure in adult and old women

OBJETIVOS: Comparar os efeitos de programas de treinamento aerobico e resistido com atividade aquatica moderada e vigorosa nos niveis de pressao arterial em mulheres adultas e idosas normotensas ou hipertensas controladas sem medicacao. METODOS: A amostra foi intencional, constituindo-se o Grupo 1 de 9 mulheres, com idade media de 54,56±7,04 anos, que realizavam atividade aquatica moderada (60-70% da frequencia cardiaca maxima) e o Grupo 2 de 11 mulheres com idade media de 54,91±7,70 anos, que realizavam atividade aquatica vigorosa (70-80% da frequencia cardiaca maxima). Os dois grupos foram analisados quanto a pressao arterial durante um periodo de dois meses e meio de tratamento, totalizando 20 atendimentos para cada grupo. As sessoes ocorriam com frequencia de duas vezes por semana, com duracao de 50 minutos cada aula. A intensidade do exercicio era estabelecida conforme a frequencia cardiaca maxima de cada individuo. A analise dos resultados foi feita por estatistica inferencial utilizando o teste t de Student para amostras independentes e pareadas, com significância menor que 5%. RESULTADOS: O Grupo 1 obteve uma diferenca media intergrupo de pressao arterial sistemica entre o inicio e o final do estudo de -5,56 mmHg, enquanto o Grupo 2 apresentou diferenca de +6,91 (p menor que 0,001). Em relacao a pressao arterial diastolica, a diferenca media intergrupo do Grupo 1 foi de -3,50 e para o Grupo 2 de +3,18 (p=0,011). CONCLUSOES: A atividade aquatica moderada foi mais eficiente que a vigorosa para a reducao dos niveis pressoricos em mulheres adultas e idosas.