Article
Infectious Diseases
Juan David Ramirez, Liyong Cao, Lissa Cruz-Saavedra, Carolina Hernandez, Sergio Castaneda, Marina Munoz, Nathalia Ballesteros, Radhika Banu, Paras Shrestha, Carlos Cordon-Cardo, Emilia Mia Sordillo, Alberto Paniz-Mondolfi
Summary: This study explores the feasibility of using epimastigotes to construct standard curves for quantifying parasitic loads in Chagas disease molecular diagnostics. The results indicate that there are no statistically significant differences in calculating parasitic loads in blood samples, regardless of the life stage used to construct the standard curves. This finding has practical implications for improving Chagas disease molecular diagnostic methods.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Fanny Mathias, Youssef Kabri, Damien Brun, Nicolas Primas, Carole Di Giorgio, Patrice Vanelle
Summary: Chagas disease caused by T. cruzi infection is a major public health problem in Latin America, resulting in 7000 annual deaths. This study synthesized ten new 1-substituted 2-nitropyrrole compounds and evaluated their biological activity. The derivatives showed good selectivity and activity against T. cruzi, but the maximum effect was lower than the reference drug.
Review
Immunology
Maria Belen Caputo, Josefina Elias, Gonzalo Cesar, Maria Gabriela Alvarez, Susana Adriana Laucella, Maria Cecilia Albareda
Summary: Chagas disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, is the parasitic disease with the greatest impact in Latin America and the most common cause of infectious myocarditis in the world. The immune system plays a crucial role in controlling T. cruzi infection, but needs to be regulated to prevent host pathology.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Jose R. Lopez, Nancy Linares, Jose A. Adams, Alfredo Mijares
Summary: Chagas disease is a leading cause of death and morbidity in Latin America, and this study reveals that chronic elevation of diastolic Ca2+ concentration is associated with the disease. The role of Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX) in this process is also explored, suggesting that inhibitors of NCX may be a potential therapeutic approach for Chagas cardiomyopathy.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Roy G. Stone, Patrick Gavin, Peter Chiodini, Debbie Nolder, Padraig McGettrick, Anna Keogh, Noel Mc Entagart, Richard Drew, Jack Lambert, Wendy Ferguson
Summary: This article discusses the observation of Chagas disease outside of Latin America and describes the first two infants with congenital Chagas Disease (cCD) in Ireland. It highlights the need for clinicians in non-endemic countries to be aware of the potential risk of cCD due to migration from high-prevalence countries.
PEDIATRIC INFECTIOUS DISEASE JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Eva H. Clark, Carina Marquez, Jeffrey D. Whitman, Caryn Bern
Summary: Chagas disease can have dangerous consequences in people with HIV co-infection. This study provides practical recommendations to improve diagnosis and care for co-infected individuals, including incorporating Chagas disease screening into the initial evaluation for people with HIV. Screening for Chagas disease is important to identify infected individuals and provide timely treatment. Prompt evaluation and treatment should be considered for co-infected individuals with low CD4 cell counts and neurologic or cardiac symptoms.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Jose Mateus, Paola Nocua, Paola Lasso, Manuel Carlos Lopez, M. Carmen Thomas, Adriana Egui, Claudia Cuervo, John Mario Gonzalez, Concepcion J. Puerta, Adriana Cuellar
Summary: The study investigates the relationship between parasite control and immune T cell responses in Chagas disease by using distinct infection approaches in an animal model. Different infection outcomes were observed in single or mixed T. cruzi infection with different genotypes, leading to differential immune CD8(+) T cell responses. This suggests that the quality of the CD8(+) T cell response may dictate differences in infection outcomes during chronic T. cruzi infection.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Emily A. Kelly, Jose I. Echeverri Alegre, Katherine Promer, Jesica Hayon, Roumen Iordanov, Khuzaima Rangwalla, Jerry J. Zhang, Zian Fang, Cindy Huang, Cassiana E. Bittencourt, Sharon Reed, Rosa M. Andrade, Caryn Bern, Eva H. Clark, Jeffrey D. Whitman
Summary: This study reviewed four hospital systems in California and Texas and found low overall rates of diagnostic testing for Chagas disease, primarily among older patients with end-organ damage, and incomplete confirmatory testing. This suggests missed opportunities for early diagnosis, which can reduce the risk of disease progression and prevent vertical transmission.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Theo G. M. Oliveira, Gabriela Venturini, Juliana M. Alvim, Larissa L. Feijo, Carla L. Dinardo, Ester C. Sabino, Jonathan G. Seidman, Christine E. Seidman, Jose E. Krieger, Alexandre C. Pereira
Summary: This study used hiPSC-CM to investigate the patterns of infection, proliferation, and transcriptional response in IND and CCC patients. The results showed no significant difference in T. cruzi infection and proliferation efficiency between IND and CCC patients. However, there were significant differences in the transcriptional response to the parasite in hiPSC-CM from IND and CCC patients. IND hiPSC-CM showed differences in the expression of genes related to antigen processing and presentation, while CCC hiPSC-CM showed increased expression of genes associated with the mTORC1 pathway and unfolded protein response. These findings suggest that baseline genetic differences may have an impact on the development of chronic outcomes and the presentation of cardiac symptoms.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Maria Carmo P. Nunes, Lewis F. Buss, Jose Luiz P. Silva, Larissa Natany A. Martins, Claudia Di Lorenzo Oliveira, Clareci Silva Cardoso, Bruno Oliveira de Figueiredo Brito, Ariela Mota Ferreira, Lea Campos Oliveira, Ana Luiza Bierrenbach, Fabio Fernandes, Michael P. Busch, Viviane Tiemi Hotta, Luiz Mario Baptista Martinelli, Maria Carolina F. Almeida Soeiro, Adriana Brentegani, Vera M. C. Salemi, Marcia M. Menezes, Antonio Luiz P. Ribeiro, Ester Cerdeira Sabino
Summary: This study provides a comprehensive description of the natural history of T. cruzi seropositivity in a contemporary patient population, highlighting the central importance of anti-T. cruzi antibody titer as a marker of Chagas disease activity and risk of progression.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Naiara Dutra Barroso Gomes, Emanuel Paula Magalhaes, Lyanna Rodrigues Ribeiro, John Washington Cavalcante, Marcelo Morais Gomes Maia, Felipe Ramon Cunha da Silva, Arif Ali, Marcia Machado Marinho, Emmanuel Silva Marinho, Helcio Silva dos Santos, Alice Maria Costa Martins, Ramon Roseo Paula Pessoa Bezerra de Menezes
Summary: This study evaluated the activity of synthetic p-aminochalcones against T. cruzi and found that they have a trypanocidal effect by causing membrane damage and oxidative stress. Their mechanism of action may be related to inhibition of cruzain and TR.
BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Concepcion J. Puerta, Adriana Cuellar, Paola Lasso, Jose Mateus, John M. Gonzalez
Summary: Trypanosoma cruzi, the causal agent of Chagas disease, has developed mechanisms of antigenic variability to evade the host immune response. CD8(+) T cells play a key role in chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy, and specific peptide stimulation can activate multifunctional immune responses. Anti-parasitic treatment improves CD8(+) T cell response, and the quality of CD8(+) T cell responses correlates with the outcome of chronic infection. These findings provide valuable resources for discovering new biomarkers, vaccines, and immunotherapy strategies.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Augusto L. dos Santos, Maiara Amaral, Flavia Rie Hasegawa, Joao Henrique G. Lago, Andre G. Tempone, Patricia Sartorelli
Summary: The sesquiterpene T-cadinol from Casearia sylvestris shows promising activity against Trypanosoma cruzi, with potential mitochondrial impairment leading to hyperpolarization of the membrane potential. Further optimization and study of this compound for Chagas disease drug discovery is warranted.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Microbiology
Kelli Monteiro da Costa, Raphael do Carmo Valente, Leonardo Marques da Fonseca, Leonardo Freire-de-Lima, Jose Osvaldo Previato, Lucia Mendonca-Previato
Summary: Human trypanosomiasis has a significant impact on the global population, affecting around 8 million people, particularly in endemic areas. Resistance to chemotherapy has been observed in protozoan parasites, including the T. cruzi and T. brucei species. ABC transporters, which reduce drug accumulation and mitigate toxic effects, have been identified as important factors in multidrug resistance. This review provides an overview of the history and function of ABC transporters in Trypanosoma species, highlighting their significance in parasite physiology and chemotherapy resistance.
Review
Immunology
Fatima Ferragut, Gonzalo R. Acevedo, Karina A. Gomez
Summary: The immune response of CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells against T. cruzi is crucial for parasite control and disease pathogenesis. Despite the identification of some T cell epitopes, further research is needed to delve deeper into the specific targets of T cell memory response.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Henrique Ismarsi Souza, Aline Beatriz Mahler Pereira, Jhony Robison Oliveira, Paulo Roberto Silva, David Nascimento Silva Teixeira, Mario Leon Silva-Vergara, Alexandre Paula Rogerio
Summary: This study evaluated the effects of the association between Cryptococcus neoformans and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus on airway inflammatory responses in human bronchial epithelial cells, and found that D. pteronyssinus increased the internalization and growth of C. neoformans in cells.
Article
Biology
Thais Cristina Vilela Rodrigues, Arun Kumar Jaiswal, Marcela Rezende Lemes, Marcos Vinicius da Silva, Helioswilton Sales-Campos, Luiz Carlos Junior Alcantara, Sthephane Fraga de Oliveira Tosta, Rodrigo Bentes Kato, Khalid J. Alzahrani, Debmalya Barh, Vasco Ariston de Carvalho Azevedo, Sandeep Tiwari, Siomar de Castro Soares
Summary: A multi-epitope vaccine against Mycoplasma pneumoniae was designed using immunoinformatics approach, selecting epitopes based on immunogenicity and other criteria from core proteins. Docking and simulation showed potential efficacy, and in vitro cloning in expression vectors yielded positive results, suggesting the vaccine's safety and effectiveness, pending further experimental and clinical validations.
COMPUTERS IN BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rhanoica Oliveira Guerra, Jose Rodrigues do Carmo Neto, Tarcisio de Albuquerque Martins, Thais Soares Farnesi De-Assuncao, Virmondes Rodrigues Junior, Carlo Jose Freire de Oliveira, Anielle Christine Almeida Silva, Marcos Vinicius da Silva
Summary: Leishmaniasis, a parasitic disease caused by Leishmania protozoa, is responsible for thousands of deaths annually. Conventional treatments have limitations, prompting the search for new therapeutic strategies. Metallic nanoparticles have shown promise as they can be easily prepared, have a broad spectrum of action and low toxicity. This review explores the progress and gaps in knowledge regarding metallic nanoparticles as new tools in leishmaniasis treatment.
CURRENT MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Bruna Raphaela Oliveira Silva, Wellington Francisco Rodrigues, Daniela Gomes Pires Abadia, Djalma A. Alves da Silva, Leonardo E. Silva, Chamberttan S. Desiderio, Thais Soares Farnesi-de-Assuncao, Juliana C. Costa-Madeira, Rafaela M. Barbosa, Anna V. Borges, Andrezza C. C. Hortolani Cunha, Loren Q. Pereira, Fernanda R. Helmo, Marcela Rezende Lemes, Lais M. Barbosa, Rafael O. Trevisan, Malu Mateus Santos Obata, Giovanna F. Bueno, Fabiano V. Mundim, Ana Carolina M. Oliveira-Scussel, Ivan B. Monteiro, Yulsef M. Ferreira, Guilherme H. Machado, Kennio Ferreira-Paim, Helio Moraes-Souza, Marcos Vinicius Da Silva, Virmondes Rodrigues Junior, Carlo Jose Freire Oliveira
Summary: This study describes the epidemiological profile of COVID-19 patients in the Triangulo Sul macroregion of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The findings suggest that age, comorbidities, length of hospitalization, and drug treatment significantly alter COVID-19's lethality.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Cell Biology
Jose Rodrigues do Carmo Neto, Rhanoica Oliveira Guerra, Wellington Francisco Rodrigues, Marcos Vinicius da Silva, Juliana Reis Machado
Summary: This systematic review reports the possible pharmacological neuroprotective agents tested in murine models of the digestive form of Chagas disease. The results show that these treatments have neuroprotective activity and the potential to reduce the number of damaged neurons. However, more studies are needed to understand the mechanisms, safety, and immunogenicity of each drug.
OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Tamires Marielem de Carvalho-Costa, Jose Rodrigues do Carmo Neto, Anna Gloria Fonseca Teodoro, Flavia Zero Soares, Luiza Pimenta Rochael, Thais Farnesi Soares de Assuncao, Beatriz Coutinho de Souza, Beatriz Sodre Matos, Paula Degani Ferreira dos Santos, Djalma Alexandre Alves Silva, Juliana Reis Machado, Paulo Roberto da Silva, Monique Gomes Salles Tiburcio-Costa, Carlo Jose Freire de Oliveira, Virmondes Rodrigues Junior, Denise Bertulucci Rocha Rodrigues, Marcos Vinicius da Silva
Summary: Physical activity in elderly individuals can improve quality of life and reduce the risk of depression. Physical exercise has a positive impact on immune system function, reducing inflammation. These results highlight the importance of exercise for the elderly.
OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Julyanne Maria Saraiva de Sousa, Thais Amanda de Lima Nunes, Raiza Raianne Luz Rodrigues, Joao Paulo Araujo de Sousa, Maria da Conceicao Albuquerque Val, Francisco Alex da Rocha Coelho, Airton Lucas Sousa dos Santos, Nicolle Barreira Maciel, Vanessa Maria Rodrigues de Souza, Yasmim Alves Aires Machado, Paulo Sergio de Araujo Sousa, Alyne Rodrigues de de Araujo, Jefferson Almeida Rocha, Damiao Pergentino de Sousa, Marcos Vinicius da Silva, Daniel Dias Rufino Arcanjo, Klinger Antonio da Franca Rodrigues
Summary: The aim of this study was to evaluate the activity, cytotoxicity, and potential mechanisms of action of beta-ocimene against Leishmania amazonensis. Beta-ocimene showed direct activity against the parasite and had higher activity against intra-macrophagic amastigotes. The results suggest that beta-ocimene has promising potential as a candidate drug for the treatment of leishmaniasis.
Article
Virology
Anna Gloria Fonseca Teodoro, Wellington Francisco Rodrigues, Thais Soares Farnesi-de-Assuncao, Anna V. Bernardes e Borges, Malu Mateus Santos Obata, Jose Rodrigues do Carmo Neto, Djalma A. Alves da Silva, Leonardo E. Andrade-Silva, Chamberttan S. Desiderio, Juliana C. Costa-Madeira, Rafaela M. Barbosa, Andrezza C. C. Hortolani Cunha, Loren Q. Pereira, Fernanda Bernadelli de Vito, Sarah Cristina Sato Vaz Tanaka, Fernanda R. R. Helmo, Marcela Rezende Lemes, Lais M. Barbosa, Rafael O. . O. Trevisan, Fabiano V. V. Mundim, Ana Carolina M. Oliveira-Scussel, Paulo Roberto Resende Jr, Ivan B. Monteiro, Yulsef M. Ferreira, Guilherme H. Machado, Kennio Ferreira-Paim, Helio Moraes-Souza, Carlo Jose Freire de Oliveira, Virmondes Rodrigues Junior, Marcos Vinicius da Silva
Summary: COVID-19 infection can lead to a wide range of clinical presentations and predisposition to thromboembolic disease due to excessive inflammation. This study aimed to characterize the clinical and laboratory aspects of hospitalized patients and analyze the serum cytokine pattern associated with thromboembolic events. A retrospective cohort study of 97 COVID-19 patients revealed 7 cases of thrombotic occurrence. The thrombus group showed a reduction in prothrombin activity and 27.8% of all patients had thrombocytopenia. Higher levels of IL-1β, IL-10, and IL-2 were observed in the group with thrombotic events. The study found an increase in inflammatory response and a link between IL-10 percentage and the likelihood of thrombotic events.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Cristhianne Molinero Ratkevicius Andrade, Aline Caroline de Lima Marques, Rodolfo Pessato Timoteo, Ana Carolina de Morais Oliveira-Scussel, Fernanda Bernadelli De Vito, Marcos Vinicius da Silva, Jose Roberto Mineo, Reginaldo Botelho Teodoro, Denise Bertulucci Rocha Rodrigues, Virmondes Rodrigues Junior
Summary: This study found that the use of TNF-a blockers does not increase the risk of toxoplasmosis reactivation.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Gabriella Teresinha Lima Teixeira, Rogerio Valentim Gelamo, Malu Mateus Santos Obata, Leonardo Euripedes de Andrade Silva, Marcos Vinicius da Silva, Carlo Jose Freire de Oliveira, Brunela Pereira da Silva, Idalina Vieira Aoki, Jeferson Aparecido Moreto, Natalia Bueno Leite Slade
Summary: This study aimed to characterize the immobilization of the novel JIChis-2 peptide on the Ti-6Al-4V alloy and evaluate its antimicrobial activity against E. coli. The immobilization process involved the formation of covalent bonds between the peptide and the surface using PECVD technique. Coated and uncoated surfaces were analyzed using various techniques, and corrosion studies were conducted to examine the effects of surface treatment. The functionalized material showed antibiofilm properties, indicating the success of the immobilization strategy.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
J. P. L. Nascimento, G. T. L. Teixeira, M. M. S. Obata, M. Silva, C. J. F. Oliveira, L. E. A. Silva, R. Gelamo, N. B. L. Slade, J. A. Moreto
Summary: This study evaluates the effects of Nb2O5 thin films deposited on the surface of Ti-6Al-4V alloy on antibacterial activity, cell proliferation, and biomineralization capacity. The reactive sputtering technique improves cell viability, osteogenic performance, and ability to delay bacterial proliferation, while promoting rapid amorphous apatite formation. These findings suggest the potential of Nb2O5-functionalized Ti-6Al-4V alloy for future implantable devices.
MATERIALS RESEARCH-IBERO-AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Yago Marcos Pessoa-Goncalves, Thais Soares Farnesi-de-Assuncao, Marlos Aureliano Dias de Sousa, Luis Marcos Ferreira Jr, Beatriz Sodre Matos, Anna Eduardo da Silva, Ana Carolina de Morais Oliveira-Scussel, Alex Eduardo da Silva, Carlo Jose Freire Oliveira, Marcos Vinicius da Silva, Virmondes Rodrigues Jr
Summary: This report presents a case study of a 47-year-old male mathematics teacher who experienced disorientation, aphasia, and acalculia during an online class. The study reveals the first documented case of HIV and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy with the detection of SARS-CoV-2 and human polyomavirus 2. Serum analysis showed elevated levels of certain factors that are known to affect blood-brain barrier permeability.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Henrique Vieira Gartz de Vasconcellos, Kerollyn Fernandes Bernardes Silva, Horacio Montenegro, Camila Botelho Miguel, Polyana Tizioto, Ferdinando Agostinho, Marcelo Costa Araujo, Rosineide Marques Ribas, Marcos Vinicius da Silva, Siomar de Castro Soares, Virmondes Rodrigues Junior, Deivid William da Fonseca Batistao, Carlo Jose Freire Oliveira, Wellington Francisco Rodrigues
Summary: This study measured the antimicrobial resistances of Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecium in the feces of pigeons near urban hospitals. It revealed antimicrobial profiles harmful to health in bacterial pathogens.
REVISTA DA SOCIEDADE BRASILEIRA DE MEDICINA TROPICAL
(2022)
